LitterFish and reptiles such as turtles

can mistake plastic bags and cigarettes for food, which can be fatalBatteries release toxic chemicals into the water poisoning the marine

life and coralsAlways take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly

Seafood RestaurantsBoycott restaurants which serve dishes of

endangered species such as turtle soup or steak,

shark steak and shark fin soup

Corals are living organisms which evolved 200 million years ago, making humans very young with only 10,000 years on the Earth

Corals grow incredibly slowly, no more than 10cm per year. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the longest reef extending 2,300km, and has taken millions of years to build.

Coral reefs cover only 0.5% of the world’s ocean floor, but are home to 25% of all marine species on the planet

At present: 20% of coral reefs are effectively destroyed! 24% are surviving but in critical

condition and under imminent collapse!

26% are threatened by man’s activities!

There are 700 species of corals worldwide providing habitats to 4,000 species of fish

Up to 35 million people are dependent on the global reef economy which is valued at 29.8 BILLION US$/year!

The coral reef protects the coast from storms and tsunamis

Feeding FishIt is bad practice to feed reef fish as it changes their feeding

behaviour and they stop eating algae

This then overgrows the corals and kills the reefs

GreenfinsChoose Greenfins

accredited dive operatorsFor more information go to: www.greenfins-thailand.org If you see any damage to the

reef, littering or bad conduct please inform:

info@greenfins-thailand.org

Buoyancy ControlImprove your buoyancy control

when divingWear a floatation device when

snorkelling Lie flat in the water and keep

your legs straightKick from the hips rather than the

kneesDo not kick up sand with your finsDo not touch, stand or rest on

corals

Take Only Photos, Leave Only Bubbles

Use mooring buoys, not anchors

Learn about and Respect the reef

Do not buy souvenirs of coral or marine life

Do not chase or touch the marine life

www.projects-abroad.org

Tel: 075 700 691

Reef Facts