Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Among Healthiest Coral Reefs In Gulf Of Mexico Oct 27, 2009
(July 9, 2008) Nearly half of U.S. coral reef ecosystems are considered to be in "poor" or "fair" condition according to a new NOAA analysis of the health of coral reefs under US jurisdiction. The NOAA report says. (Science Daily)
* FEATURE: Environmental vacations grow in popularity Oct 27, 2009
Last summer, the association collaborated with the Taiwan Marine Environmental Education Association and Academia Sinicas Biodiversity Research Center to protect a new habitat: coral reefs. The group enlisted volunteer divers to work with local communities in northeastern Taiwan, on Green Island (q) and Orchid Island, Penghu Countys Siaoliouciou (p[y) and Shanyuan Beach in Taitung County to check on the conditions of reefs in those areas and collect data to gain a better understanding... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Marine Lab Team Seeks To Understand Coral Bleaching Oct 27, 2009
During the past two decades, it has been reported that nearly 30 percent of the world's coral reefs -- and the ecosystems they support -- have been severely degraded by bleaching ... This means Envisat could potentially monitor impacted coral reefs worldwide on a. (Science Daily)
'Freezer plan' bid to save coral Oct 26, 2009
Coral reefs are a key source of food, income and coastal protection. The prospects of saving the world's coral reefs now appear so bleak that plans are being made to freeze samples to preserve them for the future ... A meeting in Denmark took evidence from researchers that most coral reefs will not survive even if tough regulations on greenhouse gases are put in place. (BBC News -- Europe)
* World News Quick Take Oct 26, 2009
Millions of liters of oil have leaked into the Timor Sea, famed for its coral reefs and home to dolphins, humpback whales and other marine life. The slick, which has already spread over an area 10 times the size of London, continues to expand at the rate of 2,000 barrels of oil a day. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Frog die-off alarms University researchers Oct 26, 2009
Changes in regional ecology such as this as well as decline of coral reefs can be indicators of changes happening in the world. Chase said the frog extinctions might be a combination of the fungus, elevated pollution and other factors. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Discounts for a Cheap Holiday in Eg... Oct 26, 2009
Liveaboard diving opportunities in the red sea to see Egypt's spectacular coral reefs. The copyright of the article Discounts for a Cheap Holiday in Egypt in is owned by. (Suite101.com)
Endangered listing sought for 83 corals Oct 26, 2009
"Coral reefs are among the world's most endangered ecosystems and provide an early warning of impacts to come from our thirsts for fossil fuels, said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director of the center. Environmental activists are petitioning the federal government to put 83 coral species on the endangered species list. They say global warming and ocean acidification are threatening the corals with extinction. The Cen 00004000 ter for Biological Diversity said last week that the coral species in... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Humans vs natural capital Oct 25, 2009
Taken together, coral reefs had an average annual value of some $172-billion, he said. Secure nature-based services. (iAfrica.com)
Activists in Delray Oct 25, 2009
"The result you are going to see in Palm Beach County is we are going to replace the natural coral reefs with rock piles.". The gathering was billed as an interfaith prayer service, and Boca Raton attorney Barry Silver, whose father was a respected local rabbi, led calls for all faith groups to join the cause. (The Palm Beach Post)
Gates warns Japan not to back out of plan to relocate US air base Oct 22, 2009
But the new site is a conservation area, with an relatively unspoiled landscape and coral reefs. Okinawans oppose the base relocation plan, and so do the members of the Democratic Party of Japan whom they have voted into power in the past two years. (Boston Globe)
Samoa tsunamis wipe out some coral reefs Oct 22, 2009
Samoa tsunamis obliterate some coral reefs ... Scientists surveying American Samoa's coral reefs say Sept. 29's tsunami obliterated some corals and damaged others to the point that they may not recover ... HONOLULU - Scientists surveying American Samoa's coral reefs say Sept. 29's tsunami obliterated some corals and damaged others to the point that they may not recover. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Green.view: Letting a thousand flowers wither Oct 21, 2009
Coral reefs, he reckons, provide services such as acting as nurseries for commercially important fish that would cost up to $130,000 per hectare per year if they had to be paid for. The figures for coastal areas and inland wetlands that, among other tasks, help filter and purify water, were $74,000 and $14,000 per hectare per year respectively. (The Economist)
Australian researchers welcome heritage nomination of coral reef Oct 20, 2009
The reef's isolation, pristine waters and untouched corals made it the ideal place to monitor the response of coral reefs to climate change, Twiggs said ... "Because it is largely untouched by human activity, the Ningaloo Reef is one of the better coral reefs to study the impact of climate change.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Copenhagen: A new global deal for sustainable development? Oct 20, 2009
In a recent article presented in the scientific journal Nature, my colleagues and I make a first attempt to identify and quantify the Earth system processes and potential biophysical thresholds that, if crossed, could generate unacceptable environmental change for humanity, such as irreversible loss of inland glaciers, a transition of rain forests to savannas, massive destruction of tropical coral reefs, desertification of current agricultural land, and the shift in the Indian and African... (Christian Science Monitor)
Call grows to step up Hawaii reef protection Oct 19, 2009
Critics also say restricting fishing in some areas only increases fishing pressure in open areas, and that, since marine life conservation districts include some of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling and diving sites, they encourage overcrowding and lead to impacts such as trampling of coral reefs by recreational users. Hanauma Bay is an example of that. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Samoa tsunamis obliterate some coral, spare others Oct 18, 2009
HONOLULU -- Scientists surveying American Samoa's coral reefs say Sept. 29's tsunami obliterated some corals and damaged others to the point that they may not recover ... Scientists surveying American Samoa's coral reefs say Sept. 29's tsunami obliterated some corals and damaged others to the point that they may not recover ... Scientists surveying American Samoa's coral reefs say Sept. 29's tsunami obliterated some corals and damaged others to the point that they may not recover. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
* Maldivian Cabinet holds underwater meeting Oct 18, 2009
Ministers in full scuba gear met on the sea bed to draw attention to the dangers of global warming for the island nation, a tourist paradise featuring coral reefs and white sand beaches with most parts lying less than 1m above sea level ... More than 80 percent of the tiny atoll nation, famed as a tourist paradise due to its coral reefs and white-sand beaches, is less than 1m above sea level. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
350: Join the largest climate rally ever Oct 16, 2009
On the dying coral reefs of the Maldives, the government s entire cabinet will don scuba gear and hold an official underwater meeting to pass a 350 resolution to send to the Copenhagen summit. On the shores of the fast-drying Dead Sea, Israeli activists will form a giant human 3 on their beach, Palestinians a 5 on theirs, and Jordanians a 0 reminding us we need to unite on this vital issue. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million / ht / yr: Experts Oct 16, 2009
Experts concluding the global DIVERSITAS biodiversity conference today in Cape Town described preliminary research revealing jaw-dropping dollar values of the ecosystem services of biomes like forests and coral reefs including food, pollution treatment and climate regulation ... He notes the growing scientific agreement that coral reefs are unlikely to survive if atmospheric carbon dioxide levels exceed 350 parts per million ... Negotiators of a new climate change deal in Copenhagen in... (EurekAlert!)
Ten national parks that make for the perfect holiday Oct 15, 2009
Some 105 miles from the Venezuelan coast is the Archipelago Los Roques National Park, Venezuela (Vargas) with 42 islands and sand banks with some of the worlds best preserved coral reefs, sandy beaches and water that ranges from dark blue to turquoise green. And stay in posadas which are small familyrun houses in rural areas. (India Times)
'THE OTHER CARBON PROBLEM': Rising ocean acidity Oct 15, 2009
The film also touches on the threats to the world's coral reefs, which can be damaged by ocean acidification as well as rising water temperatures. Posted. (USA Today -- Tech)
Ring in the New Year in Antigua Oct 13, 2009
Surrounded by colorful coral reefs, the island of Antigua offers an enticing collection of soft powdery beaches, hidden coves, and secluded tropical scenery. At the modern, newly-renovated Curtain Bluff Resort on the islands southern coast, guests can take advantage of the spectacular New Years savings available beginning January 1, 2010. (MSNBC -- Travel)
The Coral Calcium Controversy Oct 13, 2009
Shellfish living amongst the coral reefs contaminate the limestone deposits which can negatively affect individuals with allergies. Coral Calcium Manufacturing Destroys the Environment. (Suite101.com)
Sexual Organisms Replaced Clones In Caribbean Oct 13, 2009
5, 2007) Coral reefs could be damaged beyond repair, unless we change the way we manage the marine environment. New research shows how damaged Caribbean reefs will continue to decline over the next 50 years. (Science Daily)
Bree Varda lagging in turtle marathon Oct 10, 2009
Bree "is south of the Bahamas," in an area abundant with shallow water and coral reefs, said Caribbean Conservation Commission spokeswoman Rocio Johnson. "She has probably found a nice foraging area because she's been there for about a month now," Johnson said. (Florida Today)
5 spots to dive into the Caribbean Oct 9, 2009
In addition to five miles of very white beaches, it also features mangrove forests, spectacular coral reefs, sea fans and a profusion of reef fish ... Providenciales, also known as Provo, is the most developed of the islands and has a large amount of coral reefs, which have made it a place divers seek out. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
'Significant Risk' Of Oil Production Peaking In Ten Years, Report Finds Oct 9, 2009
(July 31, 2007) In a setback for efforts to protect endangered coral reefs from oil spills, researchers report that oil dispersants -- the best tool for treating oil spills in tropical areas --are significantly more. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Buffalo exhibitor picks up $4M order Oct 9, 2009
The Buffalo-based trade show and exhibits company will design and create the habitat for a 30,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico shark tank complete with coral reefs, plants and landscaping, as well as several interactive exhibits dealing with the cultural history of America s rivers. Project manager Mike Dann said Hadley also will develop a curved water wall with audiovisual projection depicting the Mississippi River, a 25-foot indoor waterfall, three 5-foot circular aquariums and several display cases... (Buffalo Business First, NY)
U.S. joins Kiribati in saving islands Oct 7, 2009
The marine conservation partnership will affect the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, founded in 2008 to protect islands near the equator where coral reefs and bird populations are untouched by human contact ... The marine conservation partnership will affect the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, founded in 2008 to protect islands near the equator where coral reefs and bird populations are untouched by human contact. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Saving our seas and coral Oct 6, 2009
We cannot continue to pollute the sea with garbage which will eventually choke and suffocate the coral reefs, he said, adding that efforts to maintain the environment were especially important in view of current concerns over climate change. He said that during the clean-up, divers would plant baby coral on special cement bases and transfer them to an underwater nursery for rehabilitation. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Kauai pollution study can't pinpoint source Oct 6, 2009
By identifying how the bacteria enters nearshore waters, water quality issues can begin to be addressed, especially regarding how it ultimately affects Kaua'i's coral reefs, the abstract says. "The water, full of bacteria and sediment, reaches the reef which has dire consequences for the creatures that live there and we subsist on," Save Our Seas President Paul Clark said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story Oct 5, 2009
By identifying how the bacteria enters nearshore waters, water quality issues can begin to be addressed, especially regarding how it ultimately affects Kaua i s coral reefs, the abstract says. The water, full of bacteria and sediment, reaches the reef which has dire consequences for the creatures that live there and we subsist on, Save Our Seas President Paul Clark said. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
* Food chain at risk as Arctic turns acidic Oct 5, 2009
Reefs in high latitudes are constructed by only one or two types of coral X unlike tropical coral reefs which are built by a large variety of species. The loss of Lophelia pertusa would therefore devastate reefs off Norway and the coast of Scotland, removing underwater shelters that are exploited by dozens of species of fish and other creatures. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Coral Bleaching Increases Chances Of Coral Disease Oct 4, 2009
In many cases, bleaching and disease occur concurrently on coral reefs ... 4, 2009) As global warming whips up more powerful and frequent hurricanes and storms, the world's coral reefs face increased disruption to their ability to breed and recover from damage. (Science Daily)
Eyes of the Reef Oct 4, 2009
Latest Updated: Sunday, October 04, 2009. By The Garden Island. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
More to come, expert warns Oct 3, 2009
Analysis of structural changes in coral reefs has revealed Sumatra has been hit by three series of quakes over the past 1000 years or so - in the late 1300s, 1600s and early 19th century. Professor Sieh said the current sequence near the western Sumatran city of Padang, including three quakes in the past four years, would build to a peak likely to be felt in the first half of the century. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
‘Fish School,’ ‘Going to the Sea Park’ and ‘Life in a Coral Reef’ Oct 3, 2009
The value of coral reefs to all life on earth is emphasized in ;Fun Facts; at the back of the book, although several un-fun facts reveal that coral reefs are at risk today. Very different from each other despite their common theme, these three books share with young children an appreciation of our oceans and their inhabitants. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Picking up the pieces Oct 3, 2009
Early on Tuesday the tropical resorts strung along Samoa's south coast were loaded with Australians - Victoria and Queensland were in the middle of school holidays - when a series of tsunamis started pouring across fringing coral reefs. Tsunami warnings had been sounding for about 10 minutes, since authorities were alerted to the 8. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Lives spared by tsunami alerts Oct 2, 2009
Lokeuaina Luamanuvae, manager of the Maninoa resort, was woken by the quake and saw coral reefs exposed by the receding water. There were 27 guests from Australia, Brazil and New Zealand [at the resort],'' he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Diverse fish reduce coral disease Sep 30, 2009
Coral reefs where lots of different kinds of fish swim are healthier than overfished ones, scientists have shown. Researchers showed a reduced incidence of coral disease in areas of the Philippines where fishing is banned, compared with neighbouring areas. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
South Pacific escapes from $480/night Sep 30, 2009
Tahiti: Getaway with airfare from $1,298The island of Tahiti is a true paradise in the South Pacific, encircled by rugged coastlines, gorgeous tropical beaches and colorful coral reefs. Tucked away at the base of Tahitis mountainous terrain, the brand-new Manava Suite Resort Tahiti features a private beach, spa and fitness center as well as an infinity swimming pool with stunning lagoon views. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Combining sun, sand and science in the Bahamas Sep 30, 2009
GREAT GUANA CAY, BAHAMAS (September 29, 2009)It is well known that people from all over the world come to the Bahamas to enjoy the pristine waters, spectacular coral reefs and great fishing. Tourism produces approximately 55 % of the gross domestic product and employs up to 60% of the total workforce in the Bahamas. (EurekAlert!)
5 nuggets of knowledge about stones Sep 30, 2009
The Petoskey stone does double duty here in Michigan, serving as both the state fossil and stone -- pretty impressive for what started out as a species of coral, Hexagonaria pericarnata, 360 million years ago when what is now Michigan was covered by a shallow sea containing massive coral reefs. Over time, large parts of these Hexagonaria reefs fossilized and today many of those stones with the honeycombed appearance can be found all over Michigan -- particularly around the northern tip of the... (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Country profile: Australia Sep 25, 2009
These include deserts in the interior, hills and mountains, tropical rainforests, and densely-populated coastal strips with long beaches and coral reefs off the shoreline. Isolated from other continents, Australia has an abundance of unique plant and animal life. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
UN: Droughts, melting ice signs of worsening climate change Sep 25, 2009
The acidification of oceans could threaten shellfish and coral reefs, the breeding grounds for many fish species. Environmentalists hope leaders will pay attention to the UNEP report as the Copenhagen meeting nears but news about how the global recession is affecting emissions may also be a factor. (USA Today -- Tech)
* [ ARTS & CULTURE ] In a Singapore storeroom, treasure awaits Sep 24, 2009
For about 1,200 years, the treasure was lying hidden between rocks and coral reefs in the shallow waters of the Gelasa Strait, a passage between the Indonesian islands of Belitung and Bangka. Then, in 1998, fishermen diving for sea cucumbers stumbled across ceramic bowls embedded in a pile of sand and corals. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Traveling to Paradise Sep 23, 2009
Three tiny islands, virtually uninhabited, with white sand beaches, azure blue seas, stunning coral reefs, a year round sunny climate and an incredible nightlife, create the perfect location for any holiday maker. Electricity is hit or miss, and motorized vehicles have yet to make their way into any of the islands, lending to the peace and tranquility. (Suite101.com)
Small island nations urge rich to limit warming Sep 22, 2009
"We see climate change as ... a threat to our survival and we have to take the necessary steps to protect our territories, Tillman Thomas, prime minister of AOSIS-member Grenada, told reporters on Monday. Failure by rich countries to act would be tantamount to a kind of "benign genocide," Thomas said. The small island nations of AOSIS, which include the Maldives, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea, are some of the most vulnerable countries to flooding from rising seas as ice melts from global warming.... (AlertNet)
‘The World is Blue,’ ‘Down to the Wire’ warn of global disaster Sep 20, 2009
In much of the Caribbean, 80 percent of shallow coral reefs are dead. By the end of this century, as many as half of the Earth s species will be extinct. (Boston Globe)
Ocean Acidification: Impact On Key Organisms Of Oceanic Fauna May Be Worse Than Predicted Sep 18, 2009
While tropical coral reefs are built by a large number of species, coral communities in cold waters are constructed by one or two species but provide shelter for many others. A reduction in the growth of reef-building corals due to ocean acidification may therefore threaten the very existence of these biological structures. (Science Daily)
Human-made Crises 'Outrunning Our Ability To Deal With Them,' Scientists Warn Sep 18, 2009
The threat of climate change to coral reefs, for example, has to be tackled at a global scale. Local and national efforts are already failing. (Science Daily)
Our ocean planet Sep 15, 2009
Ocean Planet Images is a world leader in shooting high-definition underwater documentation of marine organisms, from the small to the immense from the tiny creatures that inhabit and sustain our coral reefs to dolphins, sharks and whales. The photos and video are provided by Ocean Planet Images and YNR Marketing. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Human Impacts And Environmental Factors Are Changing The Northwest Atlantic Ecosystem Sep 15, 2009
(June 24, 2008) The US Environmental Protection Agency has released a report that can help reduce the potential impact of climate change on estuaries, forests, wetlands, coral reefs and other sensitive ecosystems. (July 11, 2006) By sampling sea life in a heavily fished region off the coast of Namibia, researchers have found that jellyfish have actually overtaken fish in terms of the biomass they contribute to this ocean. (Science Daily)
Changing Climate: Part III Sep 14, 2009
Acidification will inhibit the growth of coral reefs, plankton, and mollusks, disrupting the entire marine food web. According to Fish and Wildlife Services, at the current rate of increase, atmospheric CO2 concentrations will reduce the saturation state of carbonate minerals in the surface ocean over the next 70 years until nearly all the locations of coral reefs are at or beyond their normal environmental limits ... Besides acidification, coral reefs are also particularly sensitive to... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Global Warming Causes Outbreak Of Rare Algae Associated With Corals, Study Finds Sep 14, 2009
4, 2007) Finally, some good news about the prospects of coral reefs in the age of climate change ... (May 22, 2009) Experts say that more than half of the world's coral reefs could disappear in the next 50 years, in large part because of higher ocean temperatures caused by climate change. (Science Daily)
Help may be just a phone call away Sep 13, 2009
Scientists found surprising inhabitants while exploring coral reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Poor Jeremy Harris will have to find a new place to hide. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* Coral reefs are going the way of the dodo Sep 10, 2009
Coral reefs are going the way of the dodo. Destroyed by rising carbon levels, acidity, pollution, algae, bleaching and El Nino, keeping coral reefs alive would require a dramatic change to the worlds carbon policy and farming methods ... Coral reefs are doomed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Fantastic voyage Sep 10, 2009
Using new diving technology, scientists discovered vistas of coral reefs and fishes never before seen in ocean depths of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument ... He said there are better maps of the moon than of the Northwestern Hawaiian Island coral reef archipelago because most diving work has been in shallow water, 60 to 80 feet deep, and coral reefs are at 300 feet or more ... Using new diving technology, scientists discovered vistas of coral reefs and fishes never before seen in... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Science: Previously unseen coral explored Sep 10, 2009
Greg Mcfall / APRandall Kosaki, chief scientist and diver on NOAA's recent research mission to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, dives among deep coral reefs at Pearl and Hermes Atoll ... HONOLULU - Scientists over the past month explored coral reefs in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands that until recently were considered too deep for scuba divers to reach ... "We literally have better maps of the moon than we do of coral reefs in the Hawaiian archipelago.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Space photos Sep 10, 2009
Marine biologists in Australia have discovered hundreds of new animal species in coral reefs in one of several projects to catalog all life in the oceans. Striking images show Indians painted bright red, brandishing bows and arrows. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Medfield Girl Scouts go down to Georgia Sep 9, 2009
Beluga Whales and hundreds of tropical fish from the Pacific Coral Reefs were both mesmerizing. The World of Coca-Cola gave the girls some insight into the global history and marketing of Coke. (Medfield Press, MA)
Different Types of Recreational Scu... Sep 6, 2009
From easy, relaxing diving on coral reefs to adrenalin charged diving in the bowels of sunken ships. The following are a brief summary of just some of the areas in which a recreational scuba diver can explore the underwater world. (Suite101.com)
Climate targets 'will kill coral' Sep 5, 2009
Coral reefs do more than look pretty - they are nurseries for many fish. Current climate targets are not enough to save the world's coral reefs - and policymakers urgently need to consider the economic benefits they bring ... The TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) analysis emphasises that forests, coral reefs and many other ecosystems can be the cheapest "adaptation tools" as well. (BBC News -- Science)
12 spots to chill out Sep 4, 2009
The IMAX Theater is currently showcasing "Under the Sea in 3D." Now the beauty of Mother Nature's coral reefs can be viewed in the comfort of an air-conditioned theater. Any worries about shark attacks are history. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
