Photo of the Day ~ We Heart Reefs

February 14, 2013

For many people, coral reefs are the only part of the ocean they ever see. Shallow tropical reef areas such as this heart shaped reef allow us to explore its wonders – using just a mask and fins, giving us just a small taste of the magnificent colonies that exist below – farther offshore and in the deep ocean.

For many researchers the circle of life starts with coral reefs. Why? Coral reefs are a critical part of the ocean ecosystem — teeming with sea life that relies on them for survival. And this sea life is important to our economy, providing millions of people around the globe with food, coastal storm protection, and jobs.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are threatened by a growing number of natural and man-made stresses. These threats range from very localized and potentially manageable events to global phenomena that we are still attempting to understand affecting entire oceans. We can however, act on what we do know – which is considerable, and the time to act is now.

Many of our Mission Blue Hope Spots are home to the coral reefs we love. Please consider supporting your favorite Hope Spot with a Valentine’s Day contribution!