#respect the earth

I was going through some old photos and found some pictures from a snorkeling trip I took a couple years ago to Key Largo. It was an amazing to be in a place that is responsible for providing food and/ or shelter to ¼ of all ocean species. The sad truth is photos (like the ones I took) may soon be all that is left of these extraordinary ecosystems. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection stated there was a 44% decline in coral cover from the years 1996-2005. Over 11 years have past and the issue has not gone away. In 2014, an additional five coral species were listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Due to our addiction to fossil fuels and the carbon emissions that come with it, coral reefs have been devastated by rising ocean temperatures and increases in ocean acidity. The threats to coral reefs also come from boating, overfishing and tourism.

This is all very frightening, I understand its very easy to give up in times like these. Never forget that there is always hope. You can help end this destruction. You can send letters to state legislators and urge them to sign bills that work to promote clean, renewable sources of energy (wind, solar, wave) and to impose green taxes on polluting companies. If
you fish or boat, be sure to only catch non-endangered fish during proper seasons and follow all laws regarding speeds and docking. If you choose to tour these wonderful communities, be sure not to touch anything or cause any unnecessary turbidity with your flippers.
Together we can keep these beautiful, biodiverse communities from disappearing. Together we can keep our world from collapse❤

Photos taken at: John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Florida

Sources:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/threats.htm

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/2594504

https://ocean.si.edu/corals-and-coral-reefs

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