Groupers Games

(adaptation fom Squirrels Games)

Type: Action Games

Groups of participant: Large group games
Location: Anywhere
Duration: 10 – 15 mins
Materials Needed: None

How to Play Groupers:

Everyone gets into groups of three. Two people stand facing each other and join hands to create an
arch they are the “coral”, the third person crouches underneath it and becomes the “grouper”.
You need one extra person to be the 'caller'. (If you have odd numbers you can have two callers)

The caller can shout one of three things.

1. "Cyanide" If cyanide is shouted then all the grouper run to a new “coral” the 'caller' then tries to take
the place of a grouper. If they are succsessful then the person left without a coral becomes the new
'caller' (*The”coral” do not move).

2. "Pollution" If pollution is shouted the coral move to a new grouper, they must find a new partner to
create a coral over a grouper. The 'caller' then tries to takes the place of a coral leaving someone new
out and they become the new 'caller'.

3. "Bomb" If this is shouted then everyone moves and takes a new position as either a coral or a
grouper. Again the 'caller takes someones place and a new 'caller” is made.

Debriefing:

This games give the participants introduction of the threats for Coral Reef and Coral Fish by Human
Activities, such as:

1. Destructive Fishing:
a. Cyanide fishing: Some fishermen stun fish by squirting cyanide, a very toxic poison, into reef
areas where fish seek refuge. The poison does not kill, but disorients the fish in the coral
where they hide. The fisherman then rip apart the reefs with crowbars to capture the fish. In
addition, cyanide kills coral polyps and the symbiotic algae and other small organisms
necessary for healthy reefs. Cyanide fishing is common in the South Pacific and Southeast
Asia.
b. Blast fishing (bomb): Shock waves from blast fishing can destroy coral reefs and also stun or
kill coral fish.

2. Pollution
Pesticides and other chemicals from can poison reefs. Also untreated or improperly treated
sewage promotes the growth of algae, which harms coral reefs.

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Facilitator Reading for discussion with the participant after the games.
(Please use direct explanation and only discuss in short time, encourage participant to seek more detail
by self)

What we should know

• Coral reefs are the homes of some of the most diverse ecosystems and biologically productive habitats.
Coral reefs are in precipitous decline. Global warming and rising sea temperatures can cause coral
“bleaching”. Ocean acidification from rising carbon dioxide levels reduces the ability of corals to produce
their limestone skeleton. Pollution from coastal development, agriculture, human waste and rubbish is
really harmful. Fishing practices in some parts of the world can also be very damaging.
• Tourist activities can also have negative impacts on coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers, attracted to reefs
by the huge diversity of life and colour, can be very damaging when they grab, kick or walk on reefs, or
stir up sediments which then settle on the corals. The boats they use can damage corals directly through
contact or inappropriate use of anchors, and indirectly through pollution. The development of coastal
infrastructure to support marine tourism can also be damaging, through the clearing of coastal habitats
(especially mangroves) to increase access to beaches, the building of piers and jetties, sewage and
other runoff from hotels and resorts, and the dumping of rubbish in the sea.
• Tourists also accumulate a high carbon footprint when travelling long distances to reach tropical marine
resorts offering coral reef experiences, contributing to CO2 emissions and global warming.
• The destruction of coral reefs has implications for tourism, and for fin fish and shellfish fisheries. If coral
reefs suffer, then so do the local communities which rely on them.

What we can do
• If you are planning a holiday in an area with coral reefs, there are some things that you can do to ensure
you minimise your impact.
• Think carefully about your destination, and the carbon footprint you are creating, particularly if the
destination is a long distance away. A holiday nearer to home may be just as good, and could save you
money!
• Choose a tour operator and/or resort which offers environmentally responsible practices, including
minimising the impacts of infrastructure development, energy conservation, responsible sewage and
rubbish disposal, recycling, and contributing to local conservation initiatives.
• Try and choose a resort or hotel run by local people which benefits the local community.
• Always pay user fees for national or marine parks – the fees help with conservation and protection
efforts.
• Never buy souvenirs or jewellery made from coral or other marine life, and do complain to your resort,
agent, or the local authorities if you see anyone collecting or selling such items.
• If you are snorkelling or diving on or near coral reefs, make sure you use an operator which advertises
and practices responsible conduct, including the use of existing moorings for boats. Get expert
instruction and practice your skills well away from any reef. Make sure your entry and exit points don’t
risk damaging coral or other marine life. Never touch, grab or walk on corals; even the slightest contact
can damage them, and some of them can give you a powerful sting! Maintain a safe distance from the
reef at all times, and avoid using gloves which may tempt you to touch marine life.
• Don’t remove anything live or dead from the reef, except perhaps plastic or other items of rubbish.
• Never throw rubbish in the sea.
• Encourage your operator and fellow travellers to act responsibly.
• Participate in voluntary activities such as beach clean-ups, and learn as much as you can about coral
reefs – it will give you a greater appreciation and make your holiday much more enjoyable.
• If you see practices you disagree with, do let the operator, tour or travel company concerned know. You
can also contact the tourism department of the country you are in, or its embassy or high commission on
your return home, to express your concerns.
• Reefs at Risk Revisited report calls for the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where fishing
and fishing methods are regulated, curbing unsustainable fishing, better management of coastal
development, and the reduction of both land and marine-based pollution. It also recommends
comprehensive ecosystem management that includes all stakeholders, and stresses the need to invest
in scientific research and educate the public about the importance of coral reefs. It’s crucial, of course,
for national and international bodies, and for all of us to address the threats of climate change by curbing
carbon emissions.

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