INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION OF REEF RIGHTS

Whereas coral reefs are the highest biodiversity marine ecosystem and provide food, economic and spiritual value for hundreds of millions of people worldwide,

Whereas coral reefs are the most sensitive indicator for tracking global climate change,

Whereas the earth is a blue planet -- 71 % of the planet’s surface is covered by the ocean and 50% of the world’s population lives within 60 kilometers of the coast,

Whereas coral reefs are over 100 million years old, are the largest living structures visible from space and protect our coastlines from storm and tsunami damage,

Whereas coral reefs are the basis for stunning white sand beaches, entire tropical islands and a major component of the largest global industry --  tourism,

Whereas life-saving new antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs have been derived from coral reef organisms,

Whereas I recognize that any action I take may have an impact on the ocean and its reefs,

As a citizen of planet earth, I pledge to abide by the principles of this INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION OF REEF RIGHTS

All coral reefs have the right to be free from:

• Over-fishing and destructive fishing
• Pollution
• Human caused coral bleaching and ocean acidification
• Direct damage from divers, snorkelers and boaters
• Damage due to poorly planned coastal development
• Coral diseases

In recognition of these rights, I pledge to:

• Ask if my seafood is sustainably caught and to only eat fish and shellfish that are from well-managed stocks and caught in a sustainable manner
• Use products that will not pollute the sea and dispose of all wastes properly
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support efforts to reduce global climate change
• Not disturb, damage or collect corals and other reef organisms
• Ask tour operators, cruise lines, hotels and restaurants in coral reef areas what their policy is towards coral reef protection and to support reef-friendly businesses and best practices
• Patronize tour operators that use mooring buoys or anchor away from living corals
• Support environmentally friendly development that does not damage coral reefs.
• Support government efforts to improve sewage treatment, promote sustainable land use practices and to protect and restore coastal open space and coral reefs.
• Encourage my friends and family to sign this INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION OF REEF RIGHTS