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(NewsUSA) - From Maine to Texas, Alaska to the Gulf of
Mexico, every coastline has one thing in common that is essential to a healthy environment;
deep-sea corals. Many of the brightly colored corals making up our ocean's reefs are thousands of
years old, and more than 90 percent of corals in the world's oceans live in deep-sea areas. While
most people consider corals a natural beauty of the ocean, they also have practical uses. In fact,
many types are being used in testing to help cure ailments such as cancer, AIDS and even heart
disease.
Delicate corals and their ecosystems, however, are sustaining damage that could
threaten their age-old existence. And while a great deal of this damage is caused by fishing gear,
carbon-dioxide pollution also plays a large role in the destruction of corals. In fact, one-third
of human-caused carbon dioxide ends up in the ocean, leaving the water much more acidic and eating
away at corals that have escaped the doom of fishing gear. But whether or not you live near the
ocean, everyone can take steps in their day-to-day lives to make a difference. Here are a few tips
provided by Oceana:
* Remember it all runs downhill. It is important to think about your
runoff even if you don't live near the ocean. Be wary of using chemically enhanced pesticides and
fertilizers around your home. Additionally, use of non-phosphate detergents can
help.
* Reduce your energy use. While this kind of "green" thinking can help the environment
in numerous ways, it also protects corals and their environment. Try carpooling, using
energy-efficient appliances or simply turning the lights off when you leave a room.
* Save
on water. Take steps to conserve water, which will lead to less runoff and pollution in the
ocean.
* Respect their environment. Discovering the wonder and beauty of corals can be an
incredible experience, but remember never to touch the corals with either your hands or your gear.
Also, be careful not to anchor to a reef when boating.
* Use your voice. Let your member of
Congress know that you value corals and their ecosystems by writing or e-mailing them, and stay
abreast of the latest legislation affecting corals.
For more information on corals and on
what you can do to help, visit www.oceana.org.
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