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What’s the Problem Here?
Did you know that if you’re not wearing reef-safe sunscreen, you may harm crucial coral reefs and cause major harm to reef wildlife? Coral reef death or damage is a problem for all of us, and here is why.
Did you know that coral reefs provide habitat for at least 25% of the world’s marine wildlife, yet cover only 1% of the oceans?
Coral reefs house more than 4000 types of fish and other marine life, with many species yet to be discovered, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral07_importance.html).
In addition, coral reefs are vital to supporting commercial and recreational fisheries.
Coral reefs support business and provide jobs through tourism and recreation.
Local economies, like St. Thomas’s, earn billions of dollars from visitors to coral reefs, such as those found right off St. Thomas beaches.
Furthermore, coral reefs are critical for the development of drugs from compounds found in coral reef plants and animals. These compounds are possible cures for cancer, arthritis, bacterial infections, viruses, and more.
They protect shorelines by weakening the effect of waves, storms, and floods.
They accomplish so much to help keep our planet healthy, strong, and beautiful.
Studies Prove It!
According to oceanicsociety.org, the first study demonstrating the link between coral death and certain ingredients found in non-reef-safe sunscreens was published in 2008.
This problem is a big issue for places like St. Thomas, which sees a large volume of tourism.
Scientists estimate that 6,000 to 14,000 tons of sunscreen rinse off snorkelers, divers, and swimmers annually.
These chemical culprits remain some of the biggest problems: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-MBC, benzophenone-3, methoxycinnamate, and butylparaben.
Also, please avoid products such as lipsticks, moisturizers, and other cosmetics in marine environments, as they often contain these chemicals.
Avoid these chemical sunscreens and opt for mineral sunscreens instead. Look for mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and labeled “non-nano,” as sunscreens with particle sizes below 100 nanometers can be harmful to corals and ingested.
Often, the most popular brands contain harmful ingredients, so read ingredient lists carefully.
For more information about this subject, read this webpage: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/blue-habits-tips/reef-safe-sunscreen-our-guide-to-ocean-friendly-sun-protection/.
For more information on how you can help with ocean conservation, take a look here: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/help-our-ocean.html
Book with the Wayward Passage Hotel now by clicking in the upper right corner of the page! We will help make your stay clean, comfortable, and friendly for the dream vacation you came to St. Thomas to have.