As Americans seek “green”They might be interested in jewelry as a way to help preserve the planet. A necklace purchased in the Midwest can damage ocean ecosystems thousands upon miles away.
Red coral has been harvested by divers for more than 5,000 years. The practice has become more dangerous thanks to new technology that allows coral harvesters dive deeper and capture more coral. According to some scientists, 20 percent of the world’s coral has been destroyed and another 23 percent could disappear in the next thirty years.
Coral is vital for healthy ocean ecosystems. There are over 5,000 species of coral. Different coral species can grow in different places and at different temperatures. “coral forests,”They provide food and shelter for thousands of marine species. Coral can also be used to create barriers between oceans & shores, protecting land from seasickness.
Coral is a slow-growing species. Heavy harvesting can cause coral reefs to never recover.
Americans are a major contributor to the coral market. The United States imports 26 million coral pieces, more than any other country. This is a record number. That is 80 percent live coral taken from the reefs each year.
While the government has been pushing for tougher coral protection regulations, jewelry is where the action can be taken by the consumer. Oceana, an international non-profit group dedicated to protecting the oceans around the globe, offers these tips for coral reef protection:
Avoid coral jewelry. Although coral jewelry is not needed, certain communities may need them to survive. You might consider buying jewelry made of other materials.
Buy imitation coral. You can make imitation coral from wax, resin or wood. It looks exactly like coral, but it doesn’t affect the oceans.
– Buy coral jewelry second-hand. You can find coral jewelry in antique shops, vintage boutiques, and second-hand shops if you absolutely must have it. Your necklace can be yours without contributing to the coral harvesting industry.
For more information, please visit www.oceana.org.
