Animals! Do you guys love scuba diving and snorkeling…cuz I do!!! But sadly, coral reefs around the world are in danger.

Every year hundreds of millions of animals are removed from their coral reef homes and traded alive as aquarium pets. More than 95% of marine fish and invertebrates kept in aquariums were taken from the wild. The collection of animals for this trade has devastated coral reefs in many parts of the world. Coral is not just pretty to look at. It also keeps the oceans healthy. So when too many animals are collected, it upsets the delicate balance of life on coral reefs and destroys the reef’s foundation. The United States is the largest importer of coral reef wildlife. Hawaii and Florida are the only two states that allow their coral reef wildlife to be collected for both domestic and international trade. So basically we are going to have to be careful if we want to protect the our reefs.

So what can you do?

Check out this handy dandy guide from the Humane Society International.

And check out the Earth Day promotion this month at Buffalo Exchange thrift stores. What funner way to support healthy oceons than going thrifting. Learn more here: humanesociety.org/buffaloexchange.