According to some calculations, ten percent of all the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed, and thirty percent will all but disappear in the next 20 years. Protecting our environment is a top priority to many individuals and organizations. What is being done around the world to prevent harm to coral reefs and other natural treasures? How can you get involved?

Use the following sites as a starting point for your research and answer the questions below:

Coral Health and Monitoring Program
http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/

International Year of the Ocean (1998)
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov

Planetary Coral Reef Foundation
http://www.pcrf.org

1. What are some causes of the destruction of coral reefs?






2. List 3 organizations that are involved in saving coral reefs. What activities are each involved with? Do you think their methods are effective? Why or why not?







3. List 3 other natural habitats that are in danger. For each, name an organization that is working to protect it.






4. Pick one of the environmental dangers you have examined. As an individual, what can you do to help? List 5 activities.






5. Design a group project for your class that will help protect coral reefs.







6. How can one utilize the Internet to help protect coral reefs or other natural habitats?