Study links lotion to coral bleaching

The ecology alerts keep coming.  Now there’s a caution that sunscreens and other lotions used in recreational waters might be helping to cause coral bleaching.  Bleaching occurs when the relationship between the animal host and resident algae breaks down. Without the algae providing food energy, the coral turns white and dies.

According to the University of Hawaii’s Kewalo Marine Lab, a world leader in coral reef conservation, coral bleaching can occur for various reasons, including climate change, heavy rains, freshwater intrusion and pollutants.  Here in Hawaii, the top threats are freshwater runoff into the ocean, fishing over harvesting and alien algae.  The lab doesn’t consider sunscreen to be a serious threat. That’s a good thing, considering how great the snorkeling and scuba diving are in our waters  … and how vital sunscreen is for your health and comfort.

Add comment June 3rd, 2008