Under the sea, there are few places that can match the beauty of thriving coral reefs. These are places full of color and life—a true sight to behold. Unfortunately, these natural wonders are becoming an increasingly fleeting sight. Many coral reefs around the world are struggling to stay healthy, and some have faded completely. If you’re looking to celebrate coral reefs throughout World Oceans Month this June, you can help put the spotlight on the ocean at large with just a few simple facts. As you take your inflatable paddle board out on the ocean this summer—as many people do—here are a few ways to enhance your coral reef awareness.
Coral Reefs Are Abundant with Life
If you’ve ever visited a coral reef or enjoyed a paddle boarding excursion to a reef, you know just how much life calls the reef home. With that said, coral reefs aren’t particularly common. They’re found in roughly 1% of our oceans. But even existing in such a seemingly small number, these reefs are home to an estimated 25% of all marine life. From the coral itself (which is made up of a huge variety of species) to the fish to all the microscopic organisms, there are thousands upon thousands of species found among the reefs.
Coral Reefs Require a Delicate Balance
Many coral reefs thrive in warm, sunny waters (though you can find some coral in chilly waters—they’re a diverse bunch of creatures!). But when the waters get too warm and the sun too intense, coral can struggle. You may have heard about coral bleaching. When temperatures get too high, coral shed the algae that live within them. The algae, in part, is what gives coral its color. The good news is that when a coral becomes “bleached,” it’s still very much alive. The bad news is, bleached coral isn’t thriving. It’s stressed, and if it remains stressed long enough, it can eventually die. Interestingly, however, if waters get too cold, coral won’t have its ideal environment either. Balance is key!
Coral Reefs Help Keep Water Clean and Healthy
Coral reefs are giant filters. Have you ever noticed that the waters around reefs are crystal clear? That’s because coral and the many creatures that live around and within it are constantly eating all the little tidbits that would otherwise create murky waters. When coral becomes bleached (or dies off), that’s when the murkiness can return. It’s another reason to help keep coral reefs alive and thriving! When you take your inflatable SUP board to crystal clear waters, you can see so much life, and the experience is something to behold. It’s something everyone deserves to see at some point in their lives!
Coral Reefs Are a ‘Look, Don’t Touch’ Destination
Visiting a coral reef is a bucket list item, for sure. With so much life and beauty to see, it makes for an experience you’ll remember for a long time. But it’s important to remember that coral reefs are part of a delicate ecosystem. Touching coral or other sea creatures within the coral can cause injury or other potential harm. When you visit a reef, whether you’re paddle boarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving, remember, it’s a place to admire from a distance. Watch from afar as this tiny world teems with life before your eyes. And be sure to never leave anything behind, like trash or equipment. Celebrate reefs by visiting them, donating to reef perseveration causes, or even volunteering with reef cleanup teams!
About iROCKER
With paddle boarding quickly becoming more popular than ever, get in on the fun with iROCKER! From lakes to streams to marinas, there are so many places to paddle board. It’s a hobby you can enjoy as a leisure activity or an exciting adventure. iROCKER is your source for new inflatable paddle boards and accessories. Get a new inflatable SUP for your summer vacation! Or get the kids their very own paddle board in their favorite color with the NAUTICAL Kids board! iROCKER helps you enjoy more time out on the water, doing what you love. Check out their website for the latest deals on new paddle boards and discover all sorts of useful resources to help make your next paddle boarding adventure the best one yet!
Your next coral reef adventure starts with a paddle board from https://www.irockersup.com/
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