Feature Photo by Francesco Ungaro at Pexels.com
Corals are present in every ocean, from tropical seas to freezing waters, however, coral reefs only construct in warm, shallow seas located in the tropics. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is one of the largest and most famous reef systems, measuring approximately 2,300 kilometres in length, while the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia is one of the most biologically diverse reefs. These coral reefs are made up of colonies of hundreds to thousands of tiny individual corals, called polyps, a type of marine invertebrate animal, that have hard exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate and are sessile, meaning permanently fixed in one place.
Assisted by other animals with calcium carbonate skeletons and coralline algae, corals form complex, three-dimensional reefs that provide an essential ecosystem for marine life, offering food and shelter among the crevices and branches for animals including fish, molluscs, sea urchins and sponges.
What are the benefits of coral reefs?
Coral reefs are home to thousands of species, with the Great Barrier Reef being a prime example, hosting over 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusc species, and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species.
Coral reefs provide an invaluable contribution to our planet, estimated at £6 trillion per year. They are a vital source of income for the fishing and tourism industries and offer essential coastal protection. Over 500 million individuals worldwide rely on coral reefs for food, employment and safeguarding against coastal erosion. The ridges in coral reefs act as a barrier, reducing wave energy by up to 97% and shielding against natural disasters such as tsunamis. Furthermore, coral reefs help protect marine life, including mangrove forests and seagrass beds, as well as the larger human population. Scientists have also extracted valuable compounds from the animals and plants living on the reefs, with potential benefits for asthma, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease treatments.
That said, these marine animals are in danger and although they can be damaged by natural processes such as storms, they are increasingly at risk from human activities. According to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), scientists predict that even if global warming is maintained at 1.5ºC, up to 90% of coral reefs might disappear by 2050 due to prolonged ocean heatwaves.
hOW ARE CORAL REEF'S DAMAGED?
Oil spills, pollutants, climate change and general land fertilisers promoting the growth of algae that can smother corals cause the most damage, not to mention bottom trawl fishing, which uses giant, heavy-duty nets fitted with chains and rubber rollers called “rock hoppers”, that are dragged over the seafloor to catch fish. All of the bottom-dwelling plants and animals are affected, if not outright destroyed by tearing up root systems or animal burrows.
For more information on Project Seahorse click here.
Related – Seaspiracy: Save Our Seas. In 2021, Netflix released a documentary on the fishing industry called “Seaspiracy,” which made the public aware of the dark side of the fishing industry and highlighted bottom sea trawling and bycatch, two fishing practices that are destroying ocean biodiversity.
Coral bleaching
Coral reef ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea surface temperatures, which result in coral bleaching, disease, sea level rise, and storm activity. Moreover, the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changes the ocean chemistry, posing a danger to reef-building corals. The process of coral bleaching occurs when warmer water temperatures lead to the expulsion of algae (zooxanthellae) from the coral’s tissues, resulting in a white appearance. While corals can survive bleaching events, they experience increased stress and are more susceptible to mortality.
According to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), 2005 was one of the two hottest years since records started in 1880 and was the most damaging for coral reefs in the Caribbean. The abnormally high sea surface temperatures resulted in coral bleaching and mortality throughout the region and caused the loss of half of the U.S.’s coral reefs in the Caribbean within a year.
The warm waters, which centred around the northern Antilles near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, moved southward, and satellite data comparisons from the previous two decades confirmed that the thermal stress of the 2005 event was more severe than that of the previous 20 years combined.
NOT ALL CORAL BLEACHING IS CAUSED BY WARMER WATERS
However, not all bleaching events can be attributed to warm water. In January 2010, cold water temperatures in the Florida Keys resulted in a coral bleaching event that led to some coral mortality too. Water temperatures dropped to -6.7 degrees Celsius, which is lower than typical temperatures observed during that time of year.
Although corals can survive a bleaching event if the stress-caused bleaching is not severe, however, if the algae loss is prolonged and the stress continues coral eventually dies, causing a huge struggle for the marine life revolving around the coral reef’s existence.
Unsustainable fishing
Unsustainable fishing practices in coral reef areas can lead to the loss of ecologically and economically important fish species. Such losses often have a ripple effect not just on the coral reef ecosystems themselves, but also on the local economies that depend on them.
In fact, overfishing can disrupt the balance of the entire coral reef ecosystem, as certain fish species help to control the populations of other marine life and are instead targeted by fishermen, consequentially causing the loss of natural habitat for other species. When fish populations decline, local communities that rely on fishing as a source of income may struggle to make ends meet. This can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and other social and economic challenges. The loss of coral reefs can also impact tourism, as many people travel to coral reef destinations for snorkelling, diving, and other recreational activities. This can have a negative impact on local businesses that rely on tourism dollars.
To prevent these negative consequences, it is important to prioritise sustainable fishing practices that protect coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. This may include implementing regulations on fishing practices, creating marine protected areas, and supporting local conservation efforts.
Land-based pollution
The effects of land-based sources of pollution, such as coastal development and agricultural runoff, can impede coral growth and reproduction, disturb ecological function and cause disease. Once this man-made pollution enters the water, it can have immediate and long-term effects on coral health. For example, sediment can smother corals, blocking out sunlight and preventing them from photosynthesizing.
Pollution can also alter the chemical composition of seawater, making it more acidic and reducing the availability of calcium carbonate, a key building block for coral skeletons. In addition to physical damage, pollution can weaken corals’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. This can lead to large-scale die-offs and the loss of entire reef systems.
Pollution can also make corals more susceptible to disease, impede coral growth and reproduction, and cause changes in food structures on the reef.
PROTECTING CORAL REEFS
To protect coral reefs from pollution, it’s essential to address the root causes of pollution and reduce our reliance on harmful practices like industrial agriculture and coastal development. We can also support policies and initiatives that prioritise the health of our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
From coral mapping, monitoring and modelling to on-the-ground and in-water restoration activities, the Coral Reef Conservation Program is leading ridge-to-reef efforts to support the management and conservation of these valuable ecosystems. Although their research is critical to increasing what we know about the causes of reef decline, effective coral reef conservation can’t happen without us! In fact, there is a bit that we can do that’s not just about changing our eating habits. I’m talking about paying attention to our sunscreen’s ingredients.
Sunscreen and Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, yet 91% of them have been damaged and sunscreen creams are partly responsible for this damage. In August 2022, the National Academy of Sciences released a study which reviews the state of the science on the use of sunscreen ingredients and their environmental impacts.
There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. While mineral sunscreen is made from natural ingredients and is biodegradable, it leaves a white cast and can be difficult to find in stores; chemical sunscreen is easy to spread and blend with the skin but is absorbed into the bloodstream of marine life, causing serious harm.
When we apply sunscreen, this eventually washes off and makes its way into the ocean, impacting life there. Unfortunately, the use of chemical sunscreen is a major cause of coral reef damage. In addition to oxybenzone, which is present in most chemical sunscreens, octinoxate is another common ingredient that has been found to cause coral bleaching and death. In fact, the damage to coral reefs is so high that the Hawaiian government even banned all oxybenzone-based sunscreens back in 2018.
The impact of chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen creams contain compounds such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that have been shown to be harmful to coral reefs. These compounds can cause a variety of negative effects on coral reefs, including:
- Coral bleaching: Chemical sunscreen can cause coral to expel the algae that live within their tissues, leaving them white and vulnerable to disease.
- DNA damage: Oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause DNA damage in coral, leading to mutations and deformities.
- Hormone disruption: These compounds can disrupt the hormones of coral, leading to reproductive issues and other health problems.
In addition to harming coral reefs, chemical sunscreen can also negatively impact other marine life, such as fish and sea turtles. For this reason, many places around the world have banned the use of chemical sunscreen in order to protect their delicate marine ecosystems. Instead, reef-safe mineral sunscreens, which contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are recommended as an alternative.
The solution: Mineral sunscreen
Thankfully, there are alternatives to chemical sunscreens that can help protect our coral reefs. In addition to mineral sunscreen, which is made from natural ingredients and is biodegradable, there are also other ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. These include wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and using umbrellas or hats.
Unfortunately, the term “reef-friendly” is not very well regulated, so you can’t always trust products with this description. It’s important to actually check the “active ingredients” label on the back of your sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included. The size of minerals can also have an impact. Be sure to use micro-sized (or non-nano) mineral sunscreens to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations. It’s also advised to stick with lotions and avoid sprays or misting sunscreens, especially those that contain titanium dioxide as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled.
Finally, it’s always good to use products that cut back on single-use plastic packaging, either by using containers that are reusable, has high recycled content or are made out of biodegradable plant-based materials like cardboard.
Product recommendations
It is crucial that we take action to protect our coral reefs, and one way to do that is by being mindful of the products we use. By choosing mineral sunscreens and other environmentally friendly options, we can help ensure the health and longevity of these important ecosystems for generations to come.
TROPIC
Tropic’s The Great Barrier range includes eco-friendly sunscreen favourites zinc oxide and titanium dioxide plus green algae extract, vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and coconut extracts.
Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, this sun lotion from British brand Tropic skincare is actually a mix of mineral and chemical filters – the chemical filters have been independently tested and deemed safe for both humans and the environment. It’s also been awarded an esteemed Protected Land + Sea certification, so we feel pretty confident. (The brand does also offer a mineral-only sunscreen range called Skin Shade.)
The sun lotions arrive wrapped in a recyclable printed wrap, made from carbon-capture paper and vegetable ink and support the Woodland Trust, they also operate a refill return scheme.
TRUE BOTANICALS
True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield is formulated with Non-Nano Zinc that provides broad spectrum protection from both harmful UVA and UVB rays, while Chebula and Vegan Pea Peptide fights multiple signs of aging, and Astaxanthin protects from free radicals and helps improve the look of skin texture.
The sunscreen is fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic and is formulated without the toxins and pore-clogging waxes that are used in conventional sunscreens doesn’t clog pores so is a great option for those who experience acne prone or combination skin.
The slight warm tone of Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30 helps to neutralize redness and give the skin a natural glow.
THRIVE & THINKSPORTS
According to research by NY Times after researching the issue and testing 15 sunscreens that claim to be reef safe, they identified Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 and Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the most “reef-safe”; scientists recommend their ingredients in a reef-safe sunscreen.
Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 is only available to buy in the US, but ThinkSport Suncreen SPF 50+ is available in the UK and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and has been especially developed for athletes for all types of sports, water sports and other outdoor activities. Its formula uses natural zinc oxide 20% and contains no nano particles. It has one of the highest ratings approved by the U.S. FDA (as per 2012 rules) The U.S. Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Annual Sunscreen Guide report gives ThinkSport Sunscreen a ‘1’ – the top rating for safety and effectiveness of its ingredients.
Related – Skin Deep: The Problem with Plastics and Nano-Particles
ATTITUDE
Attitude Mineral Sunscreen Stick Tropical, SPF 30 is made with non-nano zinc oxide, and is also listed as one of the safest sun block options according to EWG experts.
It’s free from potentially damaging ingredients for coral reefs and also free of PEGs such as PEG-100 stearate and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, sometimes contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals and free of potentially harmful preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasers, benzyl alcohol, and MIT.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a common preservative are found in many liquid personal care products, and according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, has been linked to lung toxicity, allergic reactions, and possible neurotoxicity.
cerave
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: If you’re looking for a sunscreen that also hydrates, then this is the one for you.
This product is packed with ceramides, which assist the skin in retaining moisture, as well as niacinamide to help calm your skin. It has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and the Skin Cancer Foundation Daily Use Seal of Approval.
Its non-greasy, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formula is also enriched with niacinamide to soothe redness. This makes it ideal for use on your face and a fantastic choice for sunscreen.
coppertone
Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: Looking for an affordable sunscreen that’s high in SPF? Look no further than Coppertone’s mineral sunscreen lotion.
This lotion’s formula includes zinc oxide and botanicals such as tea leaves, sea kelp, and lotus extracts, which help to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun’s harsh rays. It’s perfect for both body and skin as it comes in a bigger bottle. I would recommend it for lighter skin types only, as it might leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
DR JART+
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+: This mineral sunscreen is made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is highly praised by reviewers for its lightweight feel, matte finish, and easy absorption, which makes it perfect for oily and darker skins, as it tends to leave on white cast on your skin. The bright, citrus-y scent is a nice twist.
The good news is that you can find it in Sephora, which has recently opened a few stores in the UK!
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 comes highly recommended by several dermatologists, this liquid mineral sunscreen has a lightweight formula that sinks right into the skin, blending in seamlessly, which makes it perfect for greasier skin types.
It’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, so it won’t clog the pores or cause unnecessary irritation.
zinka
Zinka Clear Zinc Oxide Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is great for those on-the-go moments, this clear stick formula is perfect for hassle-free application.
The product is infused with moisturising ingredients such as aloe and cocoa seed butter to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. Also, being in the format of a stick, it makes this the perfect child-friendly formula.
Zinka also provide coloured zinc oxide sunblock – it comes in blue, neon green, pink and tan.
For more information about the mineral sunscreens, check out my previous article, where you will also find some more recommendations – How to stay safe in the sun: A guide to sustainable sunscreen.