International Year of the Reef (IYOR)

IYOR is a global effort to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs and support conservation, research and management efforts.

IYOR 2008 Goals

• Strengthen awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems.
• Improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats.
• Generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.

Things You Can Do
www.coralreef.noaa.gov/outreach/thingsyoucando.html
http://www.coral.org/resources/guides_best_practices

• Educate yourself and others about coral reefs.
• Support organizations that protect coral reefs.
• Use reef-friendly boating and diving practices.
• Volunteer for reef cleanup or monitoring programs.
• Recycle.
• Conserve water.

http://www.iyor.org/

Coral reefs off the coast of southeast Florida