North Collins Marine Biology Club 2017: Conservation

Oxybenzone effects on coral

Coral list readers are probably aware of the current concern over the negative effects of Oxybenzone and other chemicals found in most sunscreens have on corals. Here is video (provided by Craig Downs) of a
recent hearing in Hawaii where there is now a Bill to ban use of sunscreens containing these chemicals.
Oxybenzone is most likely to have negative effects in the Florida Keys not only from swimmers but from household drains. It should be noted that household and hotel sewage in the Florida Keys (both from
septic tanks and other sewage systems) goes into the shallow ground water. Previous studies demonstrate that shallow ground water moves offshore toward areas of coral growth. Oxybenzone is also found in shampoo, lip balm, and other cosmetics that ultimately go down the drain.
Gene

https://www.facebook.com/civilbeat/videos/1431047140261343/

http://www.civilbeat.org/2017/01/bill-banning-many-sunscreen-products-advances-in-house/

No Rocks, No Water, No Ecosystem (EAS)
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E. A. Shinn, Courtesy Professor
University of South Florida
College of Marine Science Room 221A
140 Seventh Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
<eugeneshinn@mail.usf.edu>

Roatan Marine Park