Chances are you've heard about "reef-safe sunscreens" and the importance of using sunblock that doesn't contain harmful chemicals.

But which chemicals are harmful?  What does that even mean?

In May of this year, Hawaii passed a bill that prevents the sale of sunscreen containing UV-filtering ingredients, like oxybenzone (the most common compound found in nearly 3,500 sunscreens worldwide), octinoxate (even more toxic that oxybenzone, but usually found in lower concentrations), and octocrylene.  These are the dangerous chemicals have been linked to coral bleaching.

A good rule of thumb:  the simpler the formula, the better.  A great alternative to using sunscreen when diving or snorkeling is to wear a long-sleeved sun shirt or rash guard with a UPF (UV-protective fabric) of 50-plus.  It should have a crew neck and ideally will have a thumbhole to hold the sleeve over the top portion of your hands.  More coverage, less sunblock.

The team at St. George's cares deeply about protecting the reef and the underwater world. Our Belize island resort is owned and managed by scuba divers and located less than a mile from the amazing Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

One of its biggest threats to the reef right now is the invasive species lion fish. These fast-breeding fish do not have any natural predators. To help keep the population under control, divers all over Belize and the Caribbean use spear guns to hunt these spiny, venomous fish. It takes skill, especially when removing the lionfish from the spear so that you don't get stung by one of their spines! But it's worth it because not only are you removing an invasive predator from the reef, but the delicate white fish is delicious to eat as well.

Over 1,000 Lionfish Removed from Reef during Dive Tournament! 

Last week at St. George's Caye Resort we hosted our first "Save The Reef" Lionfish Dive Tournament with several teams of divers competing for biggest caught and most caught in one dive. It was a lot of fun and we hope to have even more divers involved next time. (Read more: Divers Keeping the Barrier Reef Healthy: Lionfish Tournament in October)

Most importantly, we are thrilled to report that combined the teams removed 1,016 lionfish from the reef! This is a huge impact in less than a week. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this possible. The coral reef thanks you too!