Because Healthy Coral Reefs:

• Provide habitat and nursery grounds for 25 percent of all known marine species – 4000 different species of fish, 700 coral species and thousands of other plants and animals that depend on healthy reefs for life
• Are vital to the billions of people who depend on them for food, income, coastal protection and recreation
• Deliver more than US $500,000 US worth of goods and services per 1.0 square kilometer/0.4 square mile per year depending on location
• Are threatened worldwide with more than 20 percent of the world’s reefs gone and another 50 percent in immediate or long term danger. New research indicates more than half the world’s coral reefs could die in less than 25 years.

I Pledge To:

• Tell at least three people how reefs enrich our lives. What do reefs mean to you? Do they provide a world of recreation and adventure, support your annual income, supply food for your table? Let others know why reefs deserve our protection.
• Participate in at least one coral conservation activity this year. I will volunteer for a CoralWatch monitoring activity, reef cleanup, AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course or similar activity to support coral reef awareness and conservation.
• Be an AWARE Diver. I will follow Project AWARE’s Ten Ways a Diver Can Protect the Underwater Environment.
• Reduce my carbon footprint. I will switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs in my home and place of business because each bulb saves 300 pounds of carbon per year and uses 60 percent less energy.
• Refuse to purchase coral products. I will not purchase coral souvenirs, coral jewelry, live coral species or products made from coral or other threatened reef species.