Scientists have just made an incredible discovery: A flourishing coral reef the size of Delaware near the base of the Amazon River's mouth in Brazil. The reef stretches approximately 3,700 square miles and is home to "beautiful, colorful reef animals" -- some species may have just been discovered.
Sadly, the reef is already under attack by big oil. As the Los Angeles Times reports, the researchers of the study also noted: “In the past decade, a total of 80 exploratory blocks have been acquired for oil drilling in the study region, 20 of which are already producing,” the study authors wrote. “These blocks will soon be producing oil in close proximity to the reefs." The study authors go on to recommend that these oil companies complete "a more social-ecological assessment."
Oil exploration in the Amazon rainforest is already a big problem. One estimate says that oil exploration covers a section of the Amazon rainforest comparable to the size of Germany. In this unstable time of global coral reef decline caused by climate change and ocean acidification, we can't afford toxic contaminants, like lead and cadmium, to harm the Amazon reef's ecosystem.
Sign and share this petition urging Brazil to stop oil drilling and exploration near the reef.
Photo Credit: USFWS Pacific Region
