Beautiful beaches, a warm sun, sparkling sand and a clear ocean would make the perfect vacation, right? Many of us would like to be somewhere tropical. This type of vacation won't last long if we don't start caring for endangered coral reefs now! World government leaders should establish laws to protect them. People may ask, “If coral reefs are in such danger, why don't we fix the problem since they benefit the entire world?” Frankly, it's not that simple. Protecting endangered coral reefs will provide long-term benefits to the entire world. To understand how to solve the problem, we need to start with the benefits they offer humans and non-humans. Coral reefs are home to 128 species of coral-eating fish, a third of which feed almost exclusively on coral (80%) (Cole 286). These coral reefs also provide shelter and living space for coral-eating fish species such as butterflyfish (Cole 287). Most of these fish feed on scleractinian coral (“hard” coral) while the others feed on “soft” coral due to regional variation (Cole 288, 292). In order for the balance of fish and coral reefs to remain in sync, the intensity of fish feeding and reef regeneration must balance each other (Cole 297). When combined with other stressors such as pollution and coral bleaching, it is difficult for coral reefs to recover (Cole 299). Because so many people rely on the fish caught around these reefs, it is important to limit stress on them. They provide the benefit and need of food to many people. In developing countries, coral reefs contribute to a quarter of the fish caught that feed approximately one billion people in Asia alone (Moore 1). Fish appear to be plentiful, at least at this time. Much of the world's poor population depends on fi... middle of paper... sources such as water. Citizens can also help by showering instead of bathing, purchasing locally grown foods, carpooling, walking or biking. Citizens must collaborate and motivate each other when it comes to using less fossil fuels. Solving this problem will certainly be difficult, but we can adapt our lifestyles to keep the environment safe for coral reefs. Human, non-human and coral reef health is likely to improve! Paying to save coral reefs will be more beneficial to the world, and international governments should share the costs of protecting coral reefs. People who pollute more than regulations allow should be fined with money intended to maintain coral reefs. Food, life-saving medicines, tourism revenues and coastal protection will decline if we don't start helping today!