Coral reef probe begins Jun 19, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: A high-level probe has begun following allegations by a former minister that coral reefs near the protected Semporna Islands Park area are being broken up for use by medical and pharmaceutical companies. It is believed the corals are ground up into powder for sale to these companies to be made into products for bone surgery, dentistry or drugs. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Help for climate-stressed corals Jun 18, 2009
A peacock grouper is one of the species scientists say will benefit from fisheries restrictions around climate-stressed coral reefs. Banning or restricting the use of certain types of fishing gear could help the world's coral reefs and their fish populations survive the onslaughts of climate change according to a study by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and other groups ... "Spear guns target a high proportion of... (EurekAlert!)
It's time to see the beauty of India Jun 18, 2009
Think about it - theres nothing we lack - horseshoe falls a la Niagara in Chhattisgarh, a crater like Tanzanias Ngorongoro near Aurangabad, coral reefs in Lakshadweep, Francophone charm in Pondicherry, prehistoric paintings in Bhimbetka, frescoes surpassing the Sistine Chapel in Ajanta, snowcaps higher than Switzerland in Himachal, orchid-studded rainforests in Arunachal, cherry blossoms like Tokyos in Sikkim. the list is endless. (India Times)
Global sunscreen won't save corals Jun 17, 2009
Palo Alto, CA Emergency plans to counteract global warming by artificially shading the Earth from incoming sunlight might lower the planet's temperature a few degrees, but such "geoengineering" solutions would do little to stop the acidification of the world oceans that threatens coral reefs and other marine life, report the authors of a new study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters ... Ocean acidification rivals global warming as a threat to marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs,... (EurekAlert!)
State may regulate certain fish (548) Jun 16, 2009
Of particular concern is the role of these fish in helping to maintain healthy coral reefs. Parrotfish are the largest grazing fishes on Hawai i s reefs, and play a critical role in controlling seaweed growth and helping to maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Three A's fans up for All-Star honor Jun 16, 2009
In exchange, the recipients have preserved more than two million acres of threatened forests and coral reefs. Meanwhile, vote for your favorite players with the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 sites, and look for Walt Disney Pictures G-Force All-Star Game ballots at Major League and Minor League ballparks. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Fighting to stay Jun 6, 2009
The Johnson Sea Links have been involved in finding previously undiscovered oculina coral reefs, which skirt the east coast of Florida and are found no where else in the world. And after a 100-year mystery, a Johnson Sea Link ferried the first manned recovery team 240-feet underwater to the resting place of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. (The Palm Beach Post)
Independence Day cruises, from $274 Jun 6, 2009
This island playground offers snorkeling in coral reefs, kayaking, volleyball courts, and beach barbecues. Prices for this three-night voyage start at $274 for interior cabins, with oceanview staterooms available from $309. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Jun 6, 2009
Seafood Poison Passes up Food Chain. A toxin found in fish in near-shore tropical waters can cause some horrible illness in humans. (Suite101.com)
Koh Samui Beach Guide Jun 5, 2009
The coral reefs surrounding this small three island archipelago are a snorkelers delight as the crystal waters provides perfect visibility almost year round. Kho Tao is another must do for divers and snorkelers, its coral reefs and profusion of fish are a major draw to local and visiting divers. (Suite101.com)
In The Turf War Against Seaweed, Coral Reefs More Resilient Than Expected Jun 4, 2009
ScienceDaily (June 3, 2009) There's little doubt that coral reefs the world over face threats on many fronts: pollution, diseases, destructive fishing practices and warming oceans ... "Until now, many scientists have concluded that the world's coral reefs are being overrun by seaweed," said John Bruno of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and lead author of the study ... 5, 2007) Coral reefs could be damaged beyond repair, unless we change the way we manage the marine environment. (Science Daily)
Scientists warn acid is killing oceans Jun 2, 2009
RISING carbon dioxide emissions are turning the oceans acidic in an irreversible process that threatens coral reefs and food security, the world's scientific academies have warned ... "Unless the world can sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the combination of repeated bouts of bleaching, more extreme storms and slower growth due to acidification will have a severe impact on coral reefs and the tourism and fisheries industries they support," he said ... "We only have a narrow window of... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Science Academies Unite to Save Oceans Jun 2, 2009
ACIDIFICATION: Coral reefs are one of the many victims of ocean acidification ... "At current emission rates models suggest that all coral reefs and polar ecosystems will be severely affected by 2050 or potentially even earlier," they wrote ... If the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reaches 550 parts per million -- compared with the current 387 ppm level -- "coral reefs may be dissolving globally.". (Scientific American)
Dragon attack on Komodo Island Jun 1, 2009
The parks rugged hills and savannahs are home to orange-footed scrub fowl, wild boar and small wild horses, and the surrounding coral reefs and bays harbour more than a dozen whale species, dolphins and sea turtles. Claudio Ciofi, who works at the Department of Animal Biology and Genetics at the University of Florence in Italy, said if komodos are hungry, they may be attracted to villages by the smell of drying fish and cooking, and encounters can become more frequent. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Ancient tradition may be way to save reefs Jun 1, 2009
That same ridge-to-reef stewardship concept is central to many modern-day efforts in Hawai'i to combat the problem of land-based pollution and its effects on coral reefs. That marriage between tradition and modern science has especially taken hold in recent years, with the formation of public-private partnerships and other initiatives to protect Hawai'i's watersheds and coastal resources. (Honolulu Advertiser)
FIGHTING MUCK IN HAWAII Jun 1, 2009
LEARN MORE: More about saving Island coral reefs at. Professor Robert Richmond shows a core bored from the Maunalua Bay sands. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Climate change turning seas acid Jun 1, 2009
And "coral reefs may be dissolving globally," it said, if atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were to rise to 550 parts per million (ppm) from a current 387 ppm. Corals are home to many species of fish. (India Times, India)
Protecting ocean reefs requires effort on land May 31, 2009
The result: tons of silt and pollutants settling on the fragile coral reefs. It's a problem that's not confined to developed areas. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kauai loses one of its own May 30, 2009
She could skin dive to depths of 500 feet for 20 minutes at a time, scouring coral reefs and sandy bottoms for fish, eels, octopus and lobsters. Despite weighing 600 pounds, RK06 swam with grace in her sleek gray suit. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Asia: Weathering the Economic Crisis May 29, 2009
In the Philippine city of Cebu, nestled between emerald hills and luminous coral reefs, the seven-year-old Asiatown IT Park is home to two dozen call centers and software outsourcing shops. "It's not an easy job, but the salary is pretty good," says 29-year-old Leyland Canoy, who earns $470 a month at locally owned eTelecare, where he provides tech support to customers of Internet phone company Vonage (VG). (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Coral rivals humans May 29, 2009
These calcified deposits can grow to enormous sizes over long periods of time and form coral reefs -- one of the world's most productive ecosystems, which can harbor more than 4,000 species of fish and many other marine life forms ... Some estimates have suggested 20 percent of the world's coral reefs are already dead and an additional 24 percent are gravely threatened. (CNN -- International)
* [ENVIRONMENT] Endangered turtles find sanctuary on Indonesian islands May 28, 2009
All seven marine turtle species are experiencing severe threats to their survival, especially from pollution and the destruction of habitats such as coral reefs, beds of seagrass, nesting beaches and mangrove forests. Those hatchlings that survive the exhausting dash from their nests to the sea face the ever-increasing risk of drowning in fishing gear or waste such as plastic bags as they make their epic migrations to feeding grounds. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
WWII-era ship becomes sunken reef off Key West May 28, 2009
"We waited for it a real long time. "We think this is really going to be a home run for both our environment and our economy down here," he said. "This is good business and at the same time we're taking pressure off our natural coral reefs. "Weatherby said it should not take long for the Vandenberg to attract fish."The marine life grows on the wreck and the little fish come and the big fish eat the little fish and just like that," he said.The ship is now the second largest vessel in the world... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems May 28, 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)
Spectacular Deep-water Coral Province Discovered Off Ireland's West Coast May 27, 2009
Dr Anthony Grehan, NUI Galway, said: These are by far the most pristine, thriving and hence spectacular examples of cold-water coral reefs that I ve encountered in almost ten years of study in Irish waters ... Moving into Irish waters, the use of high resolution bathymetry charts, provided by the Irish National Seabed Survey, a collaboration between the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute, enabled the identification of new areas likely to support coral reefs ... The ROV was... (Science Daily)
Ocean Watch: Flexibility and cool make cruise to Baja a breeze May 26, 2009
There are no coral reefs here, but I discovered forests of tall seaweed that shelter swarms of fish and invertebrates ... There are no coral reefs here, but I discovered forests of tall seaweed that shelter swarms of fish and invertebrates. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Rapid Climate Change Forces Scientists To Evaluate 'Extreme' Conservation Strategies May 26, 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. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Cayman Island escapes from $79/night May 23, 2009
Just 10 miles long, tiny and remote Little Cayman is an ideal choice for scuba divers, what with more than 50 nearby dive sites along deep undersea walls and colorful coral reefs. At the newly-renovated Little Cayman Beach Resort on the islands south shore, youll find all your scuba needs under one roof with daily dive and snorkeling trips, a dive shop and PADI-certified instructional courses. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Heat-tolerant Coral Reefs Discovered: May Survive Global Warming May 23, 2009
ScienceDaily (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. But now Stanford University scientists have found evidence that some coral reefs are adapting and may actually survive global warming ... Palumbi and his Stanford colleagues began studying the resiliency of coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean in 2006 with the support of a Woods Institute... (Science Daily)
New Species Found at Great Barrier Reef May 22, 2009
DURING THE CENSUS DIVERS COMB THE CORAL REEFS OFF HERON ISLAND COLLECTING SAMPLES. ... THE DISCOVERY OF SO MANY NEW SPECIES SUGGESTS THERE'S MUCH ABOUT CORAL REEFS THAT WE DONT KNOW. (National Geographic)
Report: 85 percent of oyster reefs gone May 22, 2009
Much as coral reefs are critical to marine habitats, the bivalve shellfish are vital to bays and estuaries, creating habitats for a variety of plants and animals, the report said. Nature's filtersOyster reefs provide important benefits by filtering water, providing food and habitat for fish, crabs and birds, and serving as natural coastal buffers from boat wakes, sea level rise and storms. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Lobsters vs. Sea Urchins May 22, 2009
May 21, 2009 Voracious sea urchins are stripping coral reefs off Australia, depriving fish of key habitat, scientists say. The potential solution. (National Geographic)
Smart switching could solve communication tangle May 22, 2009
Reefs built in cooler waters by oysters and other shellfish are faring worse than coral reefs and mangrove forests, according to a report. FEATURE: 10:20 22 May 2009 3 comments. (Yahoo News -- Instant Messaging)
Nations promise to protect 'Coral Triangle' May 21, 2009
MANADO, Indonesia - Six Asia-Pacific countries agreed Friday on a wide-ranging plan to protect one of the world's largest networks of coral reefs, promising to reduce pollution, eliminate overfishing and improve the livelihoods of impoverished coastal communities ... It accounts for a third of the world's coral reefs and 35 percent of coral reef fish species ... The agreement, known as the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, follows a symbolic memorandum signed... (MSNBC -- Environment)
More of this story May 20, 2009
Contact us: 1-808-245-3681. Latest Updated: Wednesday, May 20, 2009. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Derivative Of Red Sea Coral May Fight Skin Cancer May 18, 2009
31, 2005) Scientists widely agree that coral reefs are in declining. As featured in Geology in its September 2005 issue, a team led by Richard Aronson of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab took cores of reefs in. (Science Daily)
Scientists: Warming may not doom Maldives May 18, 2009
Other scientists think coral reefs may help save the islands. Under normal conditions, reefs can grow inches every year, allowing them to keep up with at least some sea level rise. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Ill-prepared states missed funding: govt May 17, 2009
"Other states weren't in that same place, either because the projects themselves were a gleam in their eye, or because the work hadn't been done. "The quality of submissions varied across the piece and we put forward the submissions we felt met all the criteria and where the work had been done with a rigour we demanded," Mr Eddington said. New South Wales opposition leader Barry O'Farrell has claimed NSW's share of funding showed Canberra has a lack of confidence that Premier Nathan Rees can... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
* Caretaking: no overheads and a dream location May 17, 2009
Perry was spending the winter taking care of an isolated beach house on Roatan Island off the Caribbean coast of Honduras, where daily activities include walking the owners dogs along the shore or diving among the coral reefs surrounding the island. I made a little over US$10,000 last year, Perry said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Crows boss demands 'fighting approach' May 17, 2009
" Several of Adelaide's young forwards, including Patrick Dangerfield, Taylor Walker and Richard Douglas, may have some nervous moments ahead of the Blues clash. "We expect more of them than some of the stuff we saw (on Saturday night)," Craig said. ? 2009 Brought to you by Today in Breaking News Sport Story Tools Latest Breaking News Video Pacfic pact to save coral reefs Leaders of six Pacific nations sign deal to protect threatened coral reefs and marine wildlife. More videos: Latest Breaking... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Tredrea saves Power from plucky Tigers May 17, 2009
" Port captain Domenic Cassisi was also outstanding, while Travis Boak and Danyle Pearce contributed plenty to a team effort that flagged badly in the third. Kane Cornes endured a difficult match after declaring himself fit despite an injured AC joint; he was on and off the field and vomited at one point, something williams attributed to a virus. The Tigers had plenty of contributors on a day when they probably should have won, small forward Robin Nahas (five goals) a constant nuisance, Shane... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Souths snatch dramatic win over Tigers May 17, 2009
" Galloway will have scans on Monday to determine the extent of his injury, having limped off just before half-time with a dislocated left knee cap. Chris Sandow also limped off with an ankle injury but Taylor said he expects the young halfback to be fit for Friday's clash with Parramatta. ? 2009 Brought to you by Today in Breaking News Sport Story Tools Latest Breaking News Video Pacfic pact to save coral reefs Leaders of six Pacific nations sign deal to protect threatened coral reefs and... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Market tipped to open lower May 17, 2009
"We have had a lot of optimism over the last couple of weeks, now there is a bit of a reassessment by investors and that is causing the markets to be up one day and down the next. "I think the optimism probably was a bit overdone that we went through late April to early May," Mr James said. On Sunday at 1230 AEST the Sydney Future's Exchange June share price index contract was down 42 points, or 1.11 per cent. Mr James said the market may take some guidance during the week from a speech by... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Qld govt may scrap fuel subsidy May 17, 2009
"The building program has to be number one because it creates jobs and builds the things we need now, and in the future. "And that means things like the fuel subsidy have to be considered," she said. Former Premier Peter Beattie backed away from scrapping the subsidy but Ms Bligh said if the state's building program is to be protected and jobs created, some hard decisions are going to have to be made. "I don't think they're going to be popular decisions, whichever way we end up going, but I have... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Pacfic pact to save coral reefs May 17, 2009
Readers' most viewed. Sydney Morning Herald. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sri Lankan rebels admit defeat after decades of war May 17, 2009
" Despite pleas for a ceasefire, Sri Lanka had been determined to push for a clear victory against the rebels. The Tigers' defeat is thought unlikely to bring peace to Sri Lanka, with Tamil fighters instead returning to the guerrilla hit-and-run tactics that they had used to devastating effect in the past. ? 2009 This story is sourced direct from an overseas news agency as an additional service to readers. Spelling follows North American usage, along with foreign currency and measurement units.... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
10,000 runners in charity marathon May 17, 2009
" McCann's husband Greg and two other children Josie and Cooper attended the event, along with her mother, while her sister and brother-in-law competed. The men's race was won by Reuben Kosgei in a time of 64 minutes and 18 seconds. The women's race was won by Melinda Vernon with a time of 75 minutes and 26 seconds. BCNA can be contacted on 1800 500 258. ? 2009 Brought to you by Today in Breaking News National Story Tools Latest Breaking News Video Pacfic pact to save coral reefs Leaders of six... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
* Oceans need protection from climate change May 16, 2009
We will strive to reduce pollution of the ocean, coastal and land areas and to promote sustainable management of fisheries, they wrote in a declaration, calling also for the protection of mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs. Efforts also will be made to protect the most vulnerable communities that fully depend on marine resources and to improve technology needed to answer the many questions that remain about oceans. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Most Extensive Genetic Resource For Reef-building Coral Created May 16, 2009
4, 2007) Finally, some good news about the prospects of coral reefs in the age of climate change. According to a new study corals may actually survive rising ocean temperatures in 'tough love' seas with. (Science Daily)
World Oceans Conference Urged To Act On Global Warming May 15, 2009
She said they can be seen not only in "melting glaciers and dying coral reefs, but also in damaged homes, falling wages, rising poverty, diminished opportunities.". More Stories. (KWTX.com, TX)
Asia-Pacific nations agree to protect reef network May 15, 2009
MANADO, Indonesia (AP) - Six Asia-Pacific countries have agreed on a wide-ranging plan to protect 1 of the world's largest networks of coral reefs ... It accounts for a third of the world's coral reefs and 35% of coral reef fish species. (KOLD.com, AZ)
Australia parliament debates carbon-trade laws May 14, 2009
A diver explores dead coral reefs in Gili Trawangan at Indonesia's Lombok island May 13, 2009. Southeast Asia's biologically diverse coral reefs will disappear by the end of this century, wiping. (AlertNet)
Coral: Climate Change Could Displace Millions May 14, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 14, 2009) Coral reefs could disappear entirely from the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean by the end of the century, threatening the food supply and livelihoods for about 100 million people, according to a new study from World Wildlife Fund ... Just one percent of the Earth s surface, but is home to fully 30 percent of the world s coral reefs, 76 percent of reef-building coral species and more than 35 percent of coral reef fish species. (Science Daily)
Natural Oil Seep Bigger Than Exxon Valdez Spill? May 14, 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)
* Coral Triangle reefs gone by 2100, study says May 14, 2009
Coral reefs will disappear from the Coral Triangle by the end of this century unless effective action is taken on climate change, a study released yesterday said ... The WWF said the Coral Triangle includes 30 percent of the worlds coral reefs, 76 percent of its reef building coral species and more than 35 percent of its coral reef fish species, as well as vital spawning grounds for other economically important fish such as tuna. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Climate change threatens millions who live off sea May 14, 2009
MANADO, Indonesia Around 100 million people risk losing their homes and livelihoods unless drastic steps are taken to protect Southeast Asia's coral reefs, which could be wiped out in coming decades because of climate change, a report said Wednesday. The Coral Triangle which spans Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East Timor accounts for a third of the world's coral reefs and 35 percent of coral reef fish species ... Fish living in the coral reefs,... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Report warns against Coral Triangle collapse May 14, 2009
(CNN) -- Experts have warned that the richly diverse coral reefs of the Coral Triangle around southeast Asia will disappear by the end of the century if action is not taken against climate change. The rich fishing waters around the Philippines face coral decline, a new report warns. (CNN)
Male anorexia May 13, 2009
Page last updated at 07:31 GMT, Tuesday, 12 May 2009 08:31 UK. Anorexic says men need more help. (BBC News -- Health)
Folic acid 'protects baby hearts' May 13, 2009
Page last updated at 23:50 GMT, Tuesday, 12 May 2009 00:50 UK. Folic acid protects baby hearts. (BBC News -- Health)
Rules Proposed To Save The World's Coral Reefs May 13, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 12, 2009) An international team of scientists has proposed a set of basic rules to help save the world s imperiled coral reefs from ultimate destruction ... The catastrophic decline in the world s coral reefs demands urgent management responses on two fronts, say the researchers from the Australian Research Council s Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (CoECRS), The Australian Museum, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, James Cook, Perpignan and the United Nations... (Science Daily)
Freed Saberi thanks supporters May 13, 2009
Page last updated at 15:33 GMT, Tuesday, 12 May 2009 16:33 UK. Please turn on JavaScript. (BBC News -- Africa)
FAU wins $22.5 million May 13, 2009
In December, Harbor Branch researchers discovered three deep-sea Lophelia coral reefs off Florida's east coast - a discovery that could lead to new protections for the delicate ocean habitats. "This whole area is underexplored, especially considering the importance to fishing," Hanisak said. (The Palm Beach Post)
Fears of collapse as coral reefs feel the heat May 13, 2009
THE most spectacular stretch of coral reefs on the planet is in danger of collapse from climate change, overfishing and pollution, according to a report being presented today at the World Oceans Conference in Indonesia. Scientists consider the region known as the "coral triangle" to be the centre of marine life on Earth, teeming with fish and almost one-third of the world's coral reefs ... But in the past 40 years, 40 per cent of the coral reefs and coastal mangroves in the coral triangle have... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
More money for recession support May 13, 2009
Page last updated at 23:45 GMT, Tuesday, 12 May 2009 00:45 UK. Rising unemployment is hitting many families hard. (BBC News -- UK)
Opik to repay tax summons expense May 13, 2009
Page last updated at 07:28 GMT, Wednesday, 13 May 2009 08:28 UK. The paper said the summons was claimed on his second home expenses. (BBC News -- UK)
