• Some coral reefs are threatened, but there are ways to protect them.coral reef image by Christian Schoettler from Fotolia.com
  
  One of nature's most amazing creations, coral reefs are underwater colonies filled with tiny sea creatures. Larger critters are also attracted to reefs, so they are packed with colorful fish, squid and sharks, in addition to exotic varieties of coral. Not everything under the sea is perfect, though, as many reefs are threatened by pollution and human interference, be it overfishing or irresponsible tourism. Fortunately, there are many ways people can help preserve reefs.
  
  

Cut Down on Emissions

• Taking a bicycle cuts down on emissions, which can help reefs.woman on a bicycle image by Stepanov from Fotolia.com
  
  To help protect coral reefs, there are small changes people can make in their everyday lives that have a positive effect on the ocean. By bicycling, walking or taking public transport, it's easy to cut down on fossil fuel emissions. In turn, this helps lessen the warming of the oceans, according to the Nature Conservancy, which can contribute to the destruction of delicate reefs and the sea life that inhabits them.
  
  

Visit Reefs Responsibly

• When diving at a reef, do not touch the coral.Diver over coral reef image by DJ from Fotolia.com
  
  If exploring a coral reef on a dive trip, people can help conserve the reef by being responsible visitors. When experiencing a reef close up, avoid touching or otherwise coming into contact with it, which can damage the coral and the many living creatures which live in it. The Australian Coral Reef Institute recommends reef divers "take only photos and leave only bubbles," refraining from taking hunks of coral as souvenirs or otherwise disturbing the sea life.
  
  

Purchase Coral Wisely

• When purchasing coral, make sure it comes from a sustainable source.coral image by Vanesa Boullosa Lopez from Fotolia.com
  
  Coral comes in many varieties and can be used as part of home decor. However, it's important not to purchase coral from just any source, as some unscrupulous sellers may harvest their coral using damaging and even illegal methods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advises people to inquire about coral sellers before purchasing, asking for documentation to prove that their coral was not collected from an endangered reef and was gathered using sustainable, legal practices.
  
  

Keep Beaches Clean

• When visiting the beach, make sure not to litter or pollute.Happy family with two kids on the beach image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
  
  To help reefs when visiting a beach, be sure to gather all trash before leaving the area and avoid littering. Do not pour wastewater or chemicals into the ocean, as the harmful substances can make their way to a reef and cause harm. Also, take a few minutes to try and undo the damage done by irresponsible beachcombers by gather garbage from the beach, leaving things in better condition than you found them. It's also easy to turn conservation into a game by gathering a group of friends for a beach clean-up and competing to see who can collect the most rubbish. Even people living far from reefs can help keep their own patch of beach clean, as that has effects on the ocean as a whole.