Spectacular but fragile

Coral reefs are spectacular but fragile under water eco-systems.  They cover less than 1% of the sea floor, but support an estimated 25% of marine life. 

It is predicted that over the next 30 years, nearly 50% of the reefs will be dead or severely damaged if we do not start looking after them now.

International Tourism

Many countries near coral reefs in tropical waters generate a significant portion of the countries income from tourism based on the beautiful beaches and marine life that reefs support.  Millions of US Dollars are spent in countries where beaches, diving and snorkelling are main attractions, generating many thousands of jobs.

Life saving drugs world wide

Just like many species on land, especially in the rain forests, reef animals and plants contain medical compounds that are being discovered and used all over the world.  The most famous is AZT, which  is being used in the treatment of people with HIV, which was discovered in a Caribbean sponge.

Unique compounds from coral reefs have also become treatments for cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, leukaemia and skin cancer. In addition, coral's unique skeletal structure has been used to make our most advanced forms of bone grafting materials.

Amazingly, more than half of all new cancer drug research focuses on marine organisms. The beautiful and fragile creatures of our coral reefs have the potential to make even greater contributions to our lives by providing new cures for life-threatening diseases.

Shelter and protection

Reefs also serve as a buffer, protecting inshore areas from the pounding of ocean waves. Without coral reefs, many beaches and buildings would become vulnerable to wave action and storm damage.  With the loss of sand on beaches and cliff & land damage many peoples livelihoods would be threatened. 

Coral reefs provide shelter for nearly one quarter of all known marine species. Over the last 240 million years, reefs have evolved into one of the largest and most complex ecosystems on the planet. The reefs are home to over 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of other forms of plant and animal life. Scientists estimate that, in total, more than one million species of plants and animals are associated with the coral reef ecosystem.

Your ten point plan to safe snorkelling and diving

1.      Over the years NCRPS has installed bouys for boats to moor at.  Please make sure your boat uses one of these and does not drop its anchor into the reef.

2.      Enter the water carefully.  We do not want you to hurt your self or get cut by the coral, nor damage the coral. 

3.      Do not allow your hands, feet, fins, tanks or any equipment come into contact with the reef.  Be aware of where your flippers are and what they are doing, take care not to hit the reef or stir up the sand.  The sand can fall on the coral and kill it.

4.      Do not chase, molest, touch or spear any marine life.  Some species are already endangered, please do not upset the delicate balance of the reefs eco system. 

5.      Fishing and spear fishing is not allowed in some areas of the marine park.  If you wish to fish, please ask NCRPS for operators and where you can fish.

6.      Feeding the fish and marine life is not allowed.  It can be harmful to the fish and pollute the reef.    

7.       Relax and take your time, gently swimming about.  Enjoy the experience.  Remember look but don’t touch!

8.       Make sure any garbage or rubbish you have from your trip gets disposed properly when you get back to shore.  Don’t allow your litter to pollute the reef.

9.      Make a donation to the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society to help us with our work.  Could you help us fundraise and spread the word about our beautiful but fragile eco system when you go home?  A few Pounds, Dollars, Euros or Yen from all your friends will make a big difference to the work we can do here.  Perhaps you could visit again and volunteer your time on one of our Costal Clean Up Days?

10.    Don’t make purchases of souvenirs made from the coral, starfish, turtles, here or when you go home – you will be  supporting an illegal trade.

11.    I know we said ten points, but this one is important too  …. Speak up! Make sure people you come into contact with know about the safe and sustainable use of the reef and its ecosystem.  Encourage others to be responsible and report bad practices to us.

Thanks to the NCRPS Team for these points.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.