Tongue-eating animal among rich coral reef discoveries Sep 19, 2008
HUNDREDS of new species of corals and other animals have been discovered in popular diving spots off the Australian coast, providing further insights into the diversity of life in coral reefs ... Coral reefs are known as "the rainforests of the sea" for their biodiversity, but even the researchers were surprised by the discovery of so many animals in such frequently visited waters. (The Age)
Hundreds of New Reef Creatures Found in Australia Sep 19, 2008
Tanaids resemble typical marine shrimps, although they are much smaller, said Julian Caley, principal research scientist at AIMS and co-leader of the global Census of Coral Reefs (CReefs) project. "A lot of them are so small they basically live between sand grains," Caley said. (National Geographic)
Biosciences center headed for closure Sep 18, 2008
Ostrander said the remaining programs "are very diverse, everything from biomedical research and coral reefs to neuroscience. They don't really have a critical mass within the unit that has momentum going in any one direction.". That made it difficult to attract new leadership, Ostrander said, explaining that he led the faculty through a strategic planning exercise to try to address concerns of candidates for the director's job. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Oil Palm Plantations Are No Substitute For Tropical Rainforests, New Study Shows Sep 18, 2008
(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. . (Science Daily)
Edge of oblivion Sep 16, 2008
I know here in the BVI the Caribbean is over fished and our coral reefs are in big trouble. Parrot fish are needed to feed on the coral to keep algea and bacteria at bay but where are the Parrot Fish. (BBC News -- Europe)
Hawaii, Okinawa can learn from each other Sep 15, 2008
One of the most important common attractions is marine resources including pristine beaches, multicolored coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, which support every kind of tourism activities. How do they differ. (Pacific Business News, HI)
The optimist's outlook on Sep 15, 2008
This tiny cost - a finding I'm inclined to accept because it's consistent with the results of all the private-sector modelling that's gone before - is positively dwarfed by the benefits we'd receive: reduced risk of passing irreversible tipping points (such as melting ice caps) and the conservation of species and other environmental features (such as coral reefs). Treasury's modelling also confirms that action to reduce emissions involves "increasing returns for effort". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Obama will solve all of America's problems Sep 14, 2008
GCKL wrote on Sep 13, 2008 12:52 PM:" It all comes down to what you vote for.more taxes = healthcare for our children, college assistance, schools, roads and libraries - even historic sites and state parks!less taxes = less of all of these things and more money in your pocket to spend on that high priced oil some want to drill more of. When you vote for environmental issues and taking care of our next generation, like myself, McCain and Palin is a scary thought. What good are polar bears and... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Color-coded Bacteria Can Spot Oil Spills Or Leaky Pipes And Storage Tanks Sep 14, 2008
(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. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Fishermen's junk gear is a source of power Sep 13, 2008
It began in Hawaii to retrieve gear that was damaging coral reefs and entangling wildlife and has since collected more than 31 tons of the debris there, said Sarah Morison of NOAA's Marine Debris Program. Covanta decided to expand the program to the mainland, starting in New England last February. (Boston Globe)
About 33% of coral species threatened with extinction, study says Sep 13, 2008
Nearly one-third of the small animals that make up the most massive and elaborate structures in coral reefs face an elevated risk of extinction from global warming and various local problems, an international group of scientists reported Thursday ... Coral reefs provide hiding places and a habitat for 25% of all marine life and are a major source of food for the poor and tourist revenue in tropical countries ... Kent Carpenter, director of the international union s Global Marine Species... (Yahoo News -- Climate Change)
How corals adapt to day and night Sep 13, 2008
Corals are fascinating animals that form the largest biological constructions in the world, sprawling coral reefs that cover less than 0. 2 % of the seafloor yet provide habitats for more than 30% of marine life. (EurekAlert!)
Beach restoration projects cost millions and could put coral reefs ... Sep 12, 2008
Beach restoration projects cost millions and could put coral reefs at risk ... Efforts to save 's beaches involve complex projects that cost taxpayers millions of dollars and cause environmentalists to worry about damage to coral reefs ... One off is being evaluated by the state to see whether it is being monitored properly to protect coral reefs. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
NASA Report Explores Use Of Earth Data To Support National U.S. Priorities Sep 12, 2008
(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. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Meta-population structure in a coral reef fish demonstrated by genetic data on patterns of migration, extinction and re-colonisation. Sep 12, 2008
Management strategies for coral reefs are dependant on information about the spatial population structure and connectivity of reef organisms. Genetic tools can reveal important information about population structure, however, this information is lacking for many reef species. (BioMed Central)
Australia lobbied to protect Coral Sea Sep 11, 2008
The sea, hosting more than 25 coral reefs and a network of underwater mountains and canyons, is historically important as the site of the pivotal 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. The Allies scored a strategic victory by preventing Japanese forces from landing in New Guinea and likely curbing Japan's gains in the South Pacific. (MSNBC -- International)
Coral program improves livelihoods, environment Sep 11, 2008
A group of dedicated young conservationists from Serangan Island have turned their skills in transplanting and nurturing coral reefs into a growing commercial enterprise ... As the project's heavy machines dumped sand and dirt to enlarge the island, the local residents toiled under the scorching sun, excavating the island's surrounding coral reefs for meager salaries ... In 2003, the island's young fishermen formed a group called Karya Segara, which was tasked with rehabilitating the coral reefs... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
ENVIRONMENT-AUSTRALIA: Top Expert's Emissions Target Slammed Sep 11, 2008
Garnaut reports that under the 550 ppm scenario, the Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs would indeed be destroyed while 8 to 39 percent of species worldwide would face extinction. The outcome for fauna and flora under a 450 ppm-limit scenario, while less ruinous, is still alarming. (Inter Press Service)
Coral reef management Sep 11, 2008
Over 60 percent of the coral reefs in Indonesia are already in critical condition. The culprits are not coral bleaching and global warming, but overfishing, bomb fishing, hypersedimentation caused by soil erosion, embankment, dredging, tailings from ore mining and urban pollution. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Grand Bahama Island air/hotel, from $248 Sep 10, 2008
Grand Bahama Island has one of the world's largest underwater cave systems and gorgeous coral reefs that make it popular among divers. You can also explore three national parks, including Lucayan National Park, about 25 miles east of Freeport. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Potential New Threat For Coral Reefs And Health Of Communities In The Tropics Sep 10, 2008
The rise in oceanic temperature by a few degrees, associated with global warming, is already known to have a negative impact on coral reefs: bleaching and eventual death ... 4, 2003) While the high ocean surface temperatures during the 1997-98 El Nino bleached coral reefs in more than 50 tropical countries worldwide, patches of coral did survive in or near the damaged reefs ... 4, 2007) Finally, some good news about the prospects of coral reefs in the age of climate change. (Science Daily)
With millions under threat, inaction is unethical Sep 9, 2008
Yet today, rising sea temperatures and increased salination are slowly killing our coral reefs as well as the diverse ecosystems that they support. For the last 20 years, other leaders of small island nations and I have tried to warn the world about the threat posed by climate change. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
WWII VETERANS: Kids keep reunions, memories alive Sep 8, 2008
For fun, the men played beach volleyball and fished in the coral reefs. And they maintained their sense of humor. (USA Today)
Garnaut pushes 10pc cut in emissions Sep 5, 2008
The 10 per cent reduction is calculated as Australia's fair share of at 550 parts per million, a level that would still result in the destruction of Australia's coral reefs, but Professor Garnaut says it is as tough a global target as seems practical in the near term. Professor Garnaut is proposing that Australia fix its carbon price at $20 per tonne from the onset of an emissions trading regime in 2010 until 2012, when a new global agreement would take effect. (The Australian)
Six countries draft protocol on coral reef management Sep 5, 2008
In a move to help preserve the region's coral reefs, the six member countries of the Coral Triangle Initiative have agreed on a draft protocol on protecting coral reefs from the effects of climate change ... Their aim is to spearhead the creation of a protocol on the adaptation and protection of coral reefs within the coral triangle ... Climate adaptation scientist from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Elizabeth McLeod, said the planned protocol was expected to act as a guideline in predicting and... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Top 10 Central American beach escapes Sep 3, 2008
Now, a set of top-tier, often eco-friendly, resorts is reinventing the region as a world-class beach destination, complete with unspoiled coastlines, coral reefs, and corduroy waves. WHEN TO VISIT: The region is at its best during the dry season (also peak season), which is usually from December to May, though it varies depending on the exact location. (MSNBC -- Politics)
New Giant Clam Species Offers Window Into Human Past Sep 3, 2008
" Our discovery that T. costata was already on a trajectory of decline prior to this period corroborates this hypothesis, by providing the first circumstantial evidence that humans were not only using but also depleting reef resources, making T. costata the likely earliest victim of anthropogenic degradation of coral reefs," they wrote. "Declining marine and terrestrial resources, by human and climatic factors, respectively, may have acted in concert to thwart the precocious but short-lived... (Science Daily)
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary In Fair Condition, Facing Emerging Threats Sep 3, 2008
(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)
What is 'green' tourism? Sep 3, 2008
Article By: Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:52 Flip through a travel brochure, and you're likely to see pictures of sun and sand in Southeast Asia, of luxury lodges in the Serengeti, of scuba diving in the bejewelled coral reefs of the Caribbean. What the brochure won't reveal, though, is tourism's dirty little secret: the environmental cost of your trip. (iAfrica.com)
Green cement may set CO2 fate in concrete Sep 3, 2008
His new cement mimics how coral reefs form, too. Coral uses the magnesium and calcium present in seawater to create carbonates much as he's using CO{-2} and seawater to make carbonate. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Picturesque Cabo Rojo Sep 1, 2008
The waters are almost crystal clear and stay the right temperature for snorkeling or scuba diving along the coral reefs. This is one of the larger and more popular beaches and is infamous for spectacular sunsets. (Suite101.com)
'Lost World' Beneath Caribbean To Be Explored Sep 1, 2008
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)
New giant clam species discovered Aug 30, 2008
"The coral reefs in particular... may still harbour very large surprises," said Dr Richter. Bookmark with. (BBC News)
Marine team sounds alarm for reefs Aug 30, 2008
COURTESY OF CHARLIE VERON Fourteen leading climate and marine scientists and coral reef managers from the U.S. and Australia recently drafted a statement urging action to limit carbon dioxide emissions that harm coral reefs and improve management of marine protected areas ... Suzanne Case, executive director of the conservancy in Hawaii, said: "Coral reefs are the lifeblood of our oceans, and we depend on them for survival. "Without urgent action to limit carbon dioxide emissions and improve... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Sanctuaries unable to protect Indian reefs Aug 29, 2008
Sanctuaries unable to protect Indian coral reefs-Flora & Fauna-Earth-The Times of India ... Sanctuaries unable to protect Indian coral reefs28 Aug 2008, 1501 hrs IST,IANS ... SYDNEY: Many of the sanctuaries for coral reefs in the Indian Ocean are unable to protect the reefs from the worst of climate change, a team of international scientists has warned. (India Times, India)
Protection Zones In The Wrong Place To Prevent Coral Reef Collapse Aug 29, 2008
28, 2008) Conservation zones are in the wrong place to protect vulnerable coral reefs from the effects of global warming, an international team of scientists warn ... The team which comprises of experts from the UK, Australia, the US, Sweden and France found the small-scale zones were not working to protect coral reefs against the effects of climate change ... "This provides the key to conserving coral reefs in the face of climate change," he says. (Science Daily)
Cut Greenhouse Gases to Save Coral Reefs - Scientists Aug 28, 2008
WASHINGTON - To keep coral reefs from being eaten away by increasingly acidic oceans, humans need to limit the amount of climate-warming greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, a panel of marine scientists said on Wednesday. "The most logical and critical action to address the impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs is to stabilize atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration," the scientists said in a document called the Honolulu Declaration, for release at a US conference on coral reefs in... (Planet Ark, United States)
How Nemo really finds his way home Aug 27, 2008
To find out, scientists investigated coral reefs surrounding offshore islands in Papua New Guinea in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. There, orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and the sea anemones they inhabit are especially abundant in shallow water beneath overhanging rainforest vegetation. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Protection Zones Not Helping Reefs, Study Finds Aug 27, 2008
LONDON - Conservation zones in the Indian Ocean set up to protect fish stocks are not preventing coral reefs from collapsing due to warmer temperatures or helping to speed their recovery, researchers reported on Wednesday. The reason is many of these non-fishing areas are located in warmer waters where coral reefs have a harder time surviving when temperatures rise suddenly, said Newcastle University marine biologist Nick Graham, who led the study ... Coral reefs, delicate undersea structures... (Planet Ark, United States)
US Considers Protecting Vast Swaths of Pacific Aug 27, 2008
"These areas are host to some of the world's most biodiverse coral reefs and habitat and some of the most interesting and compelling geological formations in all of our oceans," Fratto said, speaking from Crawford, Texas. Some of these areas are also of military and strategic importance, and Bush advised his cabinet secretaries that their recommendations should not limit military activities and should be consistent with freedom of navigation and international law. (Planet Ark, United States)
Bush may create largest protected area Aug 26, 2008
"These areas are host to some of the world's most biodiverse coral reefs and habitat, and some of the most interesting and compelling geological formations in all of our oceans," White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters in Crawford, Texas, where Bush is on vacation at his ranch ... "Many areas in the proposed Central Pacific Islands monument remain in a nearly pristine state," it stated, contrasting that with the fact that coral reefs elsewhere in the Pacific are disappearing twice as... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Memorandum from the President Aug 26, 2008
In the central Pacific, coral reefs, pinnacles, sea mounts, islands and surrounding waters of Johnston Atoll, Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Wake Island, and Rose Atoll that are isolated from population centers, mostly uninhabited, and support endemic, depleted, migratory, endangered and threatened species of fish, giant clams, crabs, marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, migratory shorebirds and corals that are rapidly vanishing elsewhere in the world ...... (White House News Releases)
Bush moves on marine protection Aug 24, 2008
Two years ago, Bush made a huge swath of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, barring fishing, oil and gas extraction and tourism from its waters and coral reefs. The area is the single largest conservation area on the planet. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Bush seeks to protect 3 Pacific island chains Aug 23, 2008
Two years ago, the president made a huge swath of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, barring fishing, oil and gas extraction and tourism from its waters and coral reefs. The area is the single largest conservation area on the planet. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Climate Change Could Be Impetus For Wars, Other Conflicts, Expert Says Aug 23, 2008
He also cited last year s report by a working group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicating that climate change would affect species and ecosystems worldwide, from rainforests to coral reefs ... (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. (Science Daily)
Making a splash Aug 23, 2008
The World Link: Making a splash. By , Entertainment Editor Friday, August 22, 2008. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Shipwrecks On Coral Reefs Harbor Unwanted Species Aug 22, 2008
22, 2008) Shipwrecks on coral reefs may increase invasion of unwanted species, according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey study ... Overgrowth of coral reefs by other species, such as algae, are usually attributed to environmental degradation, but bleaching, disease, damage by typhoons, overfishing, coastal development, pollution, and tourism can cause problems as well ... This research illustrates a little-known problem that, unlike global warming and pollution, could be prevented by removing... (Science Daily)
Warm up to change Aug 22, 2008
Rising sea levels, a hotter and drier Australia, dying coral reefs, salinity in the Murray-Darling basin, even polar bears becoming endangered as their habitat is eroded by contracting sea ice. It doesn't give you much to smile about. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Call For Better Protection Of Older People From Climate Change Impact Aug 19, 2008
(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 17, 2008) The US Environmental Protection Agency has released a report that discusses the potential impacts of climate change on human health, human welfare, and communities in the US The report, entitled. (Science Daily)
Ocean dead zones growing Aug 16, 2008
I would think that dead zones are more of a threat to areas with coral reefs also, since aren t most reefs near land. Again, interesting article. (Christian Science Monitor)
Hang on to summer at these affordable lake towns Aug 16, 2008
Kids can scavenge for small Petoskey stonesformed from coral reefs fossilized 360 million years agoalong the shore of Lake Michigan or brave its ice-cold water. Jet Skis are a fun way to explore Lake Charlevoix, which is often warmer and calmer; half-day rentals from start at $190. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Wasting Taxdollars 101: Beach Renourishment Aug 16, 2008
This type of structuring will help curtail the crashing waves that erode the beaches, and help to prevent further distruction of the coral reefs. It is more efficient though more costly than installing jetties of the same materials, but would last far longer, with less recurring costs over a short period of time. (The Palm Beach Post)
Mass Extinctions And 'Rise Of Slime' Predicted For Oceans Aug 14, 2008
Coral reefs, Jackson's primary area of research, are "critically endangered" and among the most threatened ecosystems; also critically endangered are estuaries and coastal seas, threatened by overfishing and runoff; continental shelves are "endangered" due to, among other things, losses of fishes and sharks; and the open ocean ecosystem is listed as "threatened" mainly through losses at the hands of overfishing ... "The reality is that if we want to have coral reefs in the future, we're going to... (Science Daily)
Venomous lionfish prowl delicate Caribbean waters (65) Aug 14, 2008
As lionfish colonize more territory in the Caribbean, they feed on grazing fish that keep seaweed from overwhelming coral reefs already buffeted by climate change, pollution and other environmental pressures. Dehart said: If we start losing these smaller reef fish as food to the lionfish. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
President Bush Meets with Coalition for Affordable American Energy Aug 13, 2008
Advances in technology have made it possible to conduct oil exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf that is out of sight, that protects coral reefs and protects against oil spills. Last month I acted and I lifted an executive branch restriction on offshore oil exploration. (White House News Releases)
Trashing of an ocean preserve Aug 13, 2008
There are coral reefs, beaches for a tiny population of 1. 500 seals, and rocky perches for hundreds of bird species. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Compound Found Under the Sea can Stop Cancer Aug 11, 2008
A presentation on the efficacy of the UF-patented compound largazole, derived from cyanobacteria that grow on coral reefs, was made at an international natural products scientific meeting in Athens, Greece. Experts attending the meeting described largazole as one of the most promising they had found since the college's marine natural products laboratory was established three years ago. (MedIndia)
Cancer-inhibiting compound found under sea Aug 10, 2008
The University of Florida-patented compound, largazole, is derived from cyanobacteria that grow on coral reefs. It is being described as one of the most promising finds since the college's marine lab was established three years ago. (Sify.com, India)
About 33% of coral species threatened with extinction, study says Aug 9, 2008
By Kenneth R. Weiss, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer July 11, 2008 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. -- Nearly one-third of the small animals that make up the most massive and elaborate structures in coral reefs face an elevated risk of extinction from global warming and various local problems, an international group of scientists reported Thursday ... Coral reefs provide hiding places and a habitat for 25% of all marine life and are a major source of food for the poor and of tourist revenue in tropical... (Yahoo News -- Climate Change)
Debris soils Bush vow to protect Hawaiiislands Aug 9, 2008
Any material that might injure the area's sensitive coral reefs and 7,000 rare species a fourth of them found nowhere else in the world would be prohibited, even if the debris drifted in from thousands of miles away ... Endangered monk seals are still being snared and coral reefs smothered by discarded fishing nets. (MSNBC -- Environment)
* Taroko Gorge tops list for tourist visits Aug 9, 2008
The Dongsha Islands (FFsq) are located 445km southwest of Kaohsiung and consist of Dongsha Island and two coral reefs that are completely submerged at high tide. As the main purpose of the Dongsha marine park is ecological conservation, the park is not open to visitors. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
There is No Off-Season for the Student-Athlete: A Bucknell Volleyball Summer Experience Aug 9, 2008
Scientists are still worried they may not make a comeback, but the abundance of sea urchins in the Virgin Islands bode well for the recovery and future of coral reefs. The most beautiful snorkel we went on was at Water Lemon Cay. (Bucknellbison.com)
New anti-cancer compound found Aug 8, 2008
The University of Florida (UF)-patented compound, largazole, is derived from cyanobacteria that grow on coral reefs. It is being described as one of the most promising finds since the college's marine lab was established three years ago. (India Times, India)
Explore the world at these newcruise ports Aug 8, 2008
Carnival Corporation built the Grand Turk Cruise Center on the southwest tip of the island, well out of reach of Turks & Caicos jaw-dropping coral reefs. . (MSNBC -- Travel)
Feds charge Keys man with poaching thousands of spiny lobsters Aug 8, 2008
MIAMI A commercial fisherman is charged with poaching thousands of spiny lobsters with traps that damaged coral reefs and sea grasses in sensitive marine waters off the Florida coast. Federal prosecutors said the charges announced Thursday against 41-year-old David Dreifort reflected one of the largest lobster poaching operations ever prosecuted in the southeastern U.S.. (Florida Today)
