White Pox

As some of you may know, the amount of coral in the world is decreasing.  Coral is a group of microorganisms who grow on the bodies of their ancestors to form beautiful, rock-like formations which act as shelters for marine life from larger predators.  Unfortunately, in the Carribbean humans seem to be killing this wonderful organism.  Sewage has been dumped into the ocean which causes the coral pathogen known as white pox, which causes white patches on the coral which eventually spread and kill it.  In particular elkhorn coral, and endangered species which once was the most common species, is affected by this disease.  Activists are working to stop this pollution and destruction, but unfortunately their efforts are limited.  What it really comes down to is that we, as a species, strive to realize the effect which we have on the environment and actively try to protect it.  Only through this form of active thought can we ensure that our children may know the beauty of coral from something other than a picture.