The Coalition Of Reef Lovers

The Coalition Of Reef Lover_s (C.O.R.L.) a 501-(c)-(3) organization was formed to give any one who cares about the world_s coral reefs a way to directly and indirectly contribute to the protection and sustainable use of the worlds coral reefs. C.O.R.L. understands that because of the current rapid degradation and loss of the world_s coral reefs, immediate action is needed. Some predictions have up to 90% of the worlds Coral Reefs destroyed with in the next 30 to 40 years. Global Warming is the greatest threat facing the coral reefs future; it alone could cause the extinction of thousands of coral reef species. Pollution, deforestation, over harvesting, improper substance fishing, coral stone construction of buildings and roads, and careless recreation are just a few problems effecting the coral reefs., A large percentage of the country_s whose borders contain coral reefs are underdeveloped, and many of their problems can be linked to poor environmental education and planning. Any use of the Coral Reefs resources within their boundaries should not only be sustainable, but also be beneficial to the preservation of the coral reefs. The Coral reefs of many Small Island Nations are their one and only exportable natural resource. Some of these nations still depend upon their coastal areas and reefs to supply them with up to 90% of their food protein. , Sustainability and a sustainable rate of development will be two of mankind_s greatest problems to overcome in the next century. In the poorer nations a sustainable rate of growth will be a difficult goal to reach with their limited resources. Their resource usage must be sustainable with broad benefits so development can be progressive, with a positive environmental impact. , The Marine Ornamental Industry provides many small island and developing nations with an outlet for the use of their Coral reef resources giving more value to the coral reefs and providing another renewable resource (when properly conducted), this can help insure their protection. CORL helps villages and communities setup and develop sustainable resource usage. CORL also provides them with an outlet to sell products to the MOI while restoring their reefs and recovering lost habitats. , , C.O.R.L._s main goal is to preserve and protect the Worlds coral reefs by:, , 1. Promoting ornamental marine aquaculture (both in situ and tanked) to fund and/or Subsidize Coral Reef Recovery., , 2. Promoting and developing in-situ Mariculture as a means of eco-friendly sustainable income for developing countries and as a means of reef restoration., , 3. Encouraging and developing eco-friendly aquaculture, collecting methods, and proper holding facilities., , 4. Educating the marine and reef hobbyist on ways to lessen their impact on the world_s coral reefs and informing them on issues that concern their hobby., , 5. Educating the Small Island and Developing Nations on ways to lessen their impact and improve environmental awareness., , 6. Helping educate the people of developed nations to the problems facing the coral reefs and the need for their protection., , 7. Working with Government(s), Industry and Environmental Organizations to help preserve The World_s Coral Reef Resources through Management and Education., ,