Extinguish threats to the FLORIDA COARAL REEF SYSTEM

Coral Cover in Thank You e Florida Reef System has sen a decline of 80 percent over the last 30 years. This decline has been the result of human activities. Causes of coral loss include: high population densities, large costal infrastructure projects, installation of pipes, utilities, cables, and wastewater outfalls, coral smother by sentiment, ground water runoff, sewage, dredge and fill projects, physical contact buy humans, and boats, and overfishing (we have seen a nearly 500 percent increase in fishing in the last 50 years). There are several species of coral on the endangered species list, including: Acropora cervicornis Acropora Palmata pillar coral stony coral fire coral sea fans All endangered corals are protected from TAKE, DESTRUCTION, SALE, and POSSESSION. LOSS OF PUBLIC RECOGNITION regarding this important ecosystem is the largest threat to the FLORIDA CORAL REEF SYSTEM! This petition is designed to RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS and COMMUNITY SUPPORT for the protection of the FLORIDA CORAL REEF SYSTEM.