The lawmakers of Hawaii are putting a ban on sunscreens to preserve coral reefs. The harm that these sunscreens are causing is coral bleaching, which is when coral will expel all of its algae, resulting in the coral turning white.  There are some sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, which is harmful to coral reefs. About 14,0000 pounds of sunscreen is washed off into the ocean each year. Unfortunately, many sunscreen makers are against the ban. They point out that some of the chemicals in the sunscreen that are being banned are essential to protect people from cancer. The law will go into effect on January 1st, 2021. Coral reef safe sunscreen includes zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Many island resorts and attractions are selling coral reef safe sunscreen.

Coral reefs are so important because they protect coastlines from natural disasters, such as tropical storms. Coral provides nitrogen and other vital nutrients for marine life. It also gives shelter and protection  to many marine life. Also, the fishing industry depends on coral reefs because they provide locations where many fish reside. For example, The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, is plentiful with fishermen and tourists, generating 1.5 billion dollars annually for the Australian economy. Scientists also rely on studying coral reefs because they provide clear, easily testable scientific information about climatic events over the past million years. Coral reefs are vital to our ecosystem and more important than you might think. Hawaii is making an effort to protect the reefs for our ecosystem.