Finding Sea Coral and Caring for our reefs

 

If you love the beach, searching for beach treasures, or decorating with coastal decor, I'm looking for YOU!

Sea coral is another one of my favorite things to find on the beach! It's always a little harder to spot amongst the shell piles, except for the unique shape. I often find it growing on a seashell too that I might have otherwise left at the beach. It's a little less rare here on Amelia Island than finding sea glass, but I always find really tiny pieces and hardly ever any bigger ones.

This is definitely one of those things you have to be careful with out in the ocean or careful about buying. Fake sea coral is the way to go if you want a big display piece because you never want to chance something that was harvested from a coral reef just to sell.

Our coral reefs are SO important and protect our oceans and protect the rest of the world from storms. If they die off we may be in trouble! It's been getting hotter and hotter in the ocean lately, and that doesn't help them either. I don't really know what the answer is to help except to take care of the ocean, litter, buy sustainably and don't take living coral or anything else living from the ocean. Using reef-safe sunscreen when you are at the beach can help too.

If you need a sign to go with your coral treasures you've found, check out our Sea Coral Sign below! Let me know if you love sea coral too and follow for more coastal inspiration!

Signs for Sea Coral Lovers and Ocean Enthusiasts

Whether you have a small collection of sea coral on your shelf or you simply love the beauty of the ocean, these handmade signs are made for you. Every piece is hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our Amelia Island, Florida studio.

Sea Coral Sign - a beautiful, nature-inspired motif that pairs perfectly with sea coral displays, shell collections, and coastal vignettes. One of our most unique and eye-catching designs.

Jellyfish Sign - another ocean creature motif that looks beautiful alongside sea coral and shell collections. A whimsical, ocean-inspired piece for any coastal space.

I'd Rather Be a Mermaid Sign - for anyone who feels most at home in the ocean. A fun, whimsical sign that pairs beautifully with sea coral, shells, and ocean-inspired decor.

More Beachcombing and Coastal Inspiration

• What Is Sea Glass and Where to Find It - everything you need to know about another beloved beach treasure
• Decorating with Sea Glass - how to display your beach treasures beautifully at home
• Finding Shark Teeth on Amelia Island - tips for finding one of the most exciting beach treasures
• Why We Chose to Move to Amelia Island Over the Panhandle - what makes Amelia Island such a special place for beachcombers

How to Responsibly Collect and Display Sea Coral

Sea coral found washed up on the beach, already detached and dried, is generally safe to collect and display at home. The key distinction is never to take living coral from the ocean or purchase coral that has been harvested from a reef. Here are some tips for responsible sea coral collecting and display.

Only collect dead, dried coral. If a piece of coral is white, dry, and clearly no longer living, it is safe to take home. Living coral is still attached to the reef or is soft and colorful. When in doubt, leave it in the water.

Choose faux coral for large display pieces. If you want a dramatic coral centerpiece or a large display piece, high-quality faux coral is the responsible choice. It looks beautiful and does not contribute to reef damage.

Display with other beach treasures. Sea coral looks stunning displayed alongside shells, sea glass, shark teeth, and driftwood in a glass jar, shallow bowl, or on a natural wood tray. Add a handmade coastal sign to tie the display together.

Use reef-safe sunscreen at the beach. One of the simplest things you can do to protect coral reefs is to switch to reef-safe sunscreen. Many common sunscreen ingredients are harmful to coral, and making the switch is an easy way to reduce your impact every time you visit the ocean.

Why Coral Reefs Matter

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting roughly 25 percent of all marine species despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. They protect coastlines from storm surge and erosion, support fishing industries that feed millions of people, and are a source of medicines and scientific discovery. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and irresponsible harvesting are all threatening reefs worldwide. Every small action, from using reef-safe sunscreen to choosing sustainably sourced decor, helps protect these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations of beachcombers and ocean lovers.

Shop Ocean-Inspired Coastal Decor

Every sign we make is hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our studio on Amelia Island, Florida. Browse our Beach Every Day collection for everyday coastal signs, explore our Beachcombing Signs for beach treasure lover favorites, or shop our full range of Coastal Cottage Signs for ocean-inspired home decor. The ocean is worth protecting, and we are here to help you celebrate it every day.