While we apply sunscreen to protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun on our planet, which is getting warmer every year, most of us are not aware that we are contributing to the destruction of coral reefs, one of the vital ecosystems of our planet. Research shows that some chemicals in sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. I would like to share with you what I have learned so far on this subject, which I have been trying to read and learn about for a while.
We all know the importance of coral reefs for our world. Not only they are home to 25% of marine species, but they also have many benefits, such as protecting coasts from natural disasters and contributing economically to local communities. These vibrant ecosystems face many threats, and sunscreen pollution is one of the most important but often overlooked.
Many sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. The effects of these chemicals on corals are as follows.
Coral Bleaching
Oxybenzone and octinoxate cause coral bleaching, causing corals to lose their energy source, symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Without these algae, corals can starve and die.
DNA Damage
These chemicals cause DNA damage in adult corals and deformities in their larvae, reducing the coral population’s ability to recover and sustain itself.
Endocrine Disorder
Sunscreen chemicals can cause reproductive and developmental problems in fish and other marine species, disrupting their endocrine systems.
When we read these, it may sound a bit exaggerated. But when we look at the case studies through more articles, we understand more closely how important sunscreen pollution is.
Hanauma Bay, Hawaii: In popular tourist destinations such as Hanauma Bay, the water has been documented to contain high levels of oxybenzone, which is associated with significant coral bleaching and reef degradation.
Virgin Islands National Park: Research in the US Virgin Islands has shown that areas frequented by tourists have higher concentrations of harmful sunscreen chemicals, leading to significant declines in coral health.
What Can We Do to Protect Coral Reefs and Marine Life?
The good news is that we can protect ourselves from harmful UV rays and avoid harming marine ecosystems at the same time.
Choose sunscreens labeled as reef-friendly. These products usually use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient, which are not harmful.
Wearing UV-protected clothing such as rashguards, hats and long-sleeved shirts can significantly reduce your need for sunscreen.
Raise awareness about the problem of sunscreen pollution and advocate for protection policies. Support bans on harmful sunscreen ingredients, such as laws in Hawaii, Palau and parts of Mexico. I learned a lot about this subject when I worked in Palau, see my previous posts, some of which I have shared here.
Even our seemingly harmless actions, such as applying sunscreen, have far-reaching environmental impacts. By making conscious choices and adopting reef-friendly practices, we can enjoy the sun and protect fragile ecosystems. Protecting coral reefs and marine life is not just an environmental imperative, but a shared responsibility for the health of our planet.
Thank you for reading
