Deteriorating coral reefs

Saturday, July 12, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

Among nature’s most beautiful creations are coral reefs, underwater marvels that boast as colorful an array of species as can be found anywhere. They are also among the world’s most fragile ecosystems, which is why they demand extra attention from human caretakers.

For various reasons, though, half of the coral reefs under this nation’s jurisdiction are in poor or fair condition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Monday. Conditions have deteriorated to the point where two species, elkhorn and staghorn corals, are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. They are the first corals ever to be listed.

There is plenty of blame to go around, much of it centered around human activity. With coastal development, fishing, recreation and global warming, coral reefs are taking a beating.

If ever an environmental issue cried out for a public service campaign, it is saving coral reefs. This would admittedly be a tough sell because it is difficult to break humans of bad habits such as producing too much pollution, harvesting too many fish or building too many coastal developments.

But it is also in the vested interest of businesses and chambers of commerce that rely on the reefs for tourism and other commercial activity to inform customers of the urgent need to preserve underwater habitat. The business community could do this by upgrading its Web sites, disseminating brochures, educating youngsters and participating in forums with scientists to find ways to save corals from further destruction.

Robbing the world’s oceans and seas of their vibrant coral reefs would amount to a horrific environmental crime. They deserve better human stewardship. Shame on us if we do not do more to protect them.