Is Your Sunscreen Reef Safe?

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Healthy vibrant coral reef on the left, and dead reef on the right.

An estimate of 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean—onto coral reefs, causing further progress of irreversible damage.

Efforts in Hawaii have already taken action to support the protection of coral reefs. Hawaii is the first state to pass a bill banning the sale of sunscreen containing chemicals harmful to the reefs. These chemicals include: oxybenzone, octinoxate, and paraben. Oxybenzone lowers the temperature level at which the coral will begin to bleach.

What is coral bleaching?
The coral turns white when it is under stress, in consequence to a slight change in the seawater temperature. The algae (zooxanthellae) share a symbiotic relationship with the coral and under stress it will expel from the coral, turning it white (This does not mean the reef is dead). However, after this event leaves the coral reef vulnerable to infection and because the algae is gone it loses its main provider of nutrients to survive. Coral reefs are essential for the lives of fish and many other marine organisms. They not only provide marine life with shelter and food, but also food, medicine, tourism for us. 



How can we protect coral reefs?
- Look for sunscreens without oxybenzone, octinoxate, and paraben.
- Buy lotion sunscreen instead of aerosol 

Comments

  1. Jayna-LeiApril 1, 2019 at 1:17 AM

    Hi Payden! I love that you're educating us about the harmful effects of mainstream sunscreen products. Your post reminded me of a local business that sells all organic & reef safe sunscreen! Her brand is called Ao Organics Hawaii if you're interested :) I haven't had a chance to try any of her sun care products yet, but reading this made me decide to purchase some from her... thank you for sharing!
    - Jayna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Payden A.April 6, 2019 at 10:05 PM

      Hey Jayna, thanks for commenting :D

      Awesome, I'm glad this post encouraged you to get some reef safe sunscreen! haha Thank you, I'll have to check out Ao Organics Hawaii!

      Delete

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