You try to be good, and do the right thing. On a tropical vacation, you know all about applying sunscreen liberally to protect from those damaging rays. But now a new study finds that common sunscreen ingredients are killing coral reefs.

These chemicals can awaken dormant viruses in algae that live in the coral. The viruses kill the algae, which are vital for the coral to survive. Without the algae, the coral turns white and dies.

Researchers estimate that 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers annually in oceans worldwide, and that up to 10 percent of coral reefs are threatened by sunscreen-induced bleaching.

So what’s the answer? Scientist Danovaro points out 2 simple things swimmers can can do to reduce their impact on coral: Use sunscreens with physical filters, which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation; and use eco-friendly chemical sunscreens.

Australian researchers are also working to develop a sunscreen based on a natural ultraviolet-blocking compound found in coral.

National Geographic News: Swimmers’ Sunscreen Killing Off Coral

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Our BVI sailing trips involve lots of sunshine and coral reefs. It’s a beautiful place, and so much fun! It’s disheartening to find that our sunscreen could be harming the coral. I’ll be researching better possibilities, and will report back later.