THE SCIENCE BIT!!

A lot of sunscreen contains Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. Sunscreen needs this to protect you, but the coral doesn’t! Look for sunscreen that uses Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide instead…

Changes their DNA:

Oxybenzone changes the DNA of mature coral cells, making them sterile so they cannot reproduce. And it makes younger coral encased in its own skeleton, so it starves and dies. (Downs et al 2015)

Bleaching

It also causes the coral to become more absorbent of heat leading to increased bleaching. (Danovaro et al 2008)

Sunscreen isn’t the main issue

Coral has many more problems though than sunscreen. Global warming is making the oceans too warm, causing vast areas of Australia’s great Barrier reef to become bleached. However, changing your sunscreen may have a small positive effect. If we can all make a difference individually then together we can make a big change.

Check out Dive Spot

If you liked this article or love the ocean, diving or both why not download Dive Spot App from the Apple Appstore now…find places to dive, conservation projects to get involved with and share your experiences now! Also follow our instagram to find out interesting facts about the ocean, life there and ways to conserve it: