Celebrate the beauty and importance of coral reef ecosystems
Don't Give Corals as Gifts
Corals are popular as souvenirs, for home decor and in costume jewelry, yet corals are living animals that eat, grow, and reproduce. It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so leave corals and other marine life on the reef.
Reef Resilience
Just as people tend to get sick when under stress, so do corals. If local stressors to coral reefs are reduced, the corals have a better chance of resisting or recovering from a stressful event such as bleaching. In this way, the reefs are more resilient.
Science for Local Decisions
The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program delivers sound scientific information and tools that coastal and marine resource managers need to effectively address the primary threats coral reef ecosystems face.
Take Action
Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can have an impact on reef health and conservation. Learn more about what you can do to support healthy coral reefs.
Did you know?
Corals are sessile animals, which means that they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor, essentially "taking root" like most plants do. It's no wonder that many people think corals are plants!