Four Shocking Coral Reef Facts About Ocean Resorts

5 star destinations without coral conservation programs

Coral reefs are in trouble. It's a hard fact.

Around the globe entire reef systems are under threat by a wide range of human vectors from land based runoff and marine pollution to development and ocean acidification.

Waterfront resort tourism represents the largest single use group of coral reefs in the world. An estimated 500+ million people travel to ocean resort destinations each year for sun, sand, and ocean adventures. 

These "rainforests of the sea" provide us with entire dynamic eco systems that support fish, tourism, and are the foundation of life in the oceans as we know it. Coral reefs are the cornerstone of $128 billion dollars in trade, tourism, and commerce.

90% of global waterfront resorts feature C and D class reef systems and their immediate future as productive ecological spaces is waning. With their loss goes a worldwide $3 billion dollar dive and snorkel tourism market, increasingly migrating further afield creating new development in regions still considered pristine.

The Maldives would be a prime example of this destination trend.

Shocking Resort Facts

1. 2% of four and five star hotel brands have a Coral Conservation Policy.

2. 1% of four and five star resort hotel brands have Coral Conservation Projects.

3. Under 1% of four and five star resort hotels have Coral Education/Outreach Projects.

4. Under 1% of four and five star resorts have a relationship with regional Coral NGOs.

For waterfront resort developments around the world the loss of coral reefs has been largely ignored for the past 50 years. Resort developers have abandoned any development beyond the high tide mark.

A review of typical waterfront resort development in 2015 and you'll find deep investments in land based infrastructure with intricate pools and water parks, gardens, and almost no engagement with the oceans beyond a few kayaks, a ubiquitous sail boat, and a dive program that has long been sub contracted out to a private company.

Resort Development Engagement

The creation of resort based reefs designed for both tourism and the environment serve a dual purpose. In addition to increased marine life populations, new dive sites lead to new economic opportunities. Reefs that gain larger, healthier populations due to the placement of artificial reefs, and the addition of aesthetically interesting structures are a magnet for snorkelers, recreational scuba divers, and photographers.

For many developing coastal nations, artificial reefs provide a cheap option to attract tourists in an otherwise poor market. The placement of artificial reefs leads to a long term profit, where tourists will continue to visit, and fisheries will see increased populations and production.

If placed close to shore, in an easily accessible area, increased and easily located fish populations attract tourists interested in fishing. An increased volume of tourists attracted by the reefs will create a demand for hotels, restaurants, and other markets associated with tourism.

It is time to reconsider resort engagement with the oceans in a fundamental way with Dynamic Reefs.