Give the Reef a Break grew out of the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 campaign in Hawai‘i, which was part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability.

We will carry on the following goals that evolved from the IYOR 2008 campaign:

• Strengthen public awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural values of coral reefs and associated ecosystems.
• Improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats and to mediate their impacts.
• Generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

By increasing public awareness of the importance of Hawaii’s living reefs, we hope to inspire people to take action in helping to protect and nurture this precious natural resource.