Coral reefs are not only some of the most beautiful places on the planet, they’re also an extremely important and extremely threatened ecosystem. Scientists have discovered that the sunscreen we are using to protect ourselves from the sun is actually helping to destroy coral reefs.
Coral reefs are not only some of the most beautiful places on the planet, they’re also an extremely important and extremely threatened ecosystem. Our reefs are so important, in fact, that billions of people around the world are supported by them. In recent years, reefs around the world have become even more threatened by experiencing a substantial increase in a phenomenon known as “bleaching.” Bleaching is the stress-induced expulsion of symbiotic zooxantheallae (algae that lives within the coral and helps it survive), causing loss of color in the coral and can ultimately cause death to the reef.
The cause of coral bleaching has been linked to global warming, pollution, changes in salinity, and ocean temperature changes. More recently, scientists have discovered that the sunscreen we are using to protect ourselves from the sun is actually helping to destroy coral reefs.
The European Commission conducted a study (published a study in January of this year) which concluded that even trace amounts of sunscreen in the ocean will “cause the rapid and complete bleaching of hard corals.” The study linked the bleaching to four common sunscreen ingredients: paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone, and a camphor derivative. These ingredients have the ability to awaken dormant viruses in zooxanthellae and cause them to replicate until their algae hosts explode. This explosion then spills viruses into the surrounding water, where they can spread out and infect neighboring coral communities.
It is estimated that humans annually release four to six thousand TONS of sunscreen into reef areas. Since it only takes a small amount of the sunscreen to cause the coral to bleach, it’s time to start thinking about what we’re using to “protect” ourselves. The four ingredients that cause bleaching in coral have also been linked to cancer and other diseases.
Luckily there are many sunscreens out there that are “Reef-Safe.” Look for sunscreens that use physical filters as opposed to chemical ones (sunscreens which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation are key). Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide as the main ingredient and stay away from titanium and the 4 ingredients mentioned earlier. This is one simple step anyone can take that will not only help protect the reefs but also protect their health. Help spread the word about this green travel tip by telling your friends and family how they can help.