Coral reefs at risk: the fault of sunscreen – Greenstyle

coral already strained by climate change are facing a new threat: the ‘ pollution caused by sunscreen and products for personal hygiene-based oxybenzone . To reveal the risks they are exposed to the corals in the areas most frequented by tourists is a recent study by the University of Central Florida.

The research published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology examined the state conservation of coral reefs in the waters of Hawaii, the Virgin Islands and in the seas of the Israeli city of Eilat.

From the samples taken by the researchers showed that high concentrations of oxybenzone in marine waters, seriously harm the coral . The larvae are trapped in their skeleton and fail to address the ocean currents.

The development of larvae seriously compromise affects the repopulation of coral reefs. According to the researchers create new nursery for corals is an inadequate measure to protect coral reefs from the progressive disappearance. The pollution caused by sunscreens and personal care products is likely to frustrate any effort.

The tests conducted in the laboratory showed that the corals report permanent damage to DNA if exposed to high concentrations of oxybenzone.

This substance used as a filter for UV rays aggravates the coral bleaching , one of the main causes of mortality of the species. Corals take this coloration after expelling the algae that live inside them. The loss of coral algae deprives the nutrients needed to grow and reproduce.

The researchers caution that the corals are crucial to the coastal economies. Besides representing an attraction for tourists who practice diving, coral reefs protect coastal towns from storms, mitigating extreme weather events caused by climate change.

The loss of coral reefs would cost billions of euro to ‘global economy. Today as many as 80% of the corals in the Caribbean Sea has been lost. As illustrated by Craig Downs one of the signatures of the study:

Every effort to reduce pollution from oxybenzone is useful to rebuild a compromised barrier reef corals and ensure survival after a ‘long hot summer.

To avoid endangering the coral experts suggest divers to not use products containing oxybenzone before diving and wear of the dumb . A necessary measure to allow also for future generations to admire the spectacle offered by the free and wonderful coral reefs.