Color Me Badd

Coral reefs not doing so well

Posted at 10:24 AM on 08 Jul 2008

We're in the midst of the International Year of the Reef, but there's little to celebrate: Nearly half of coral reefs in U.S. waters are in "poor" or "fair" condition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported at this week's 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Human activity messes with reefs in all sorts of ways, from ocean acidification (spurred by carbon-dioxide emissions) to fishing, boating, diving, marine debris, coastal development, pollution, erosion, and smothering seaweed grown for human consumption. Two coral species -- elkhorn and staghorn -- are listed as endangered. And loss of coral doesn't just mean disappointed snorkelers: one-quarter of all marine species rely on coral in one way or another, and 40 percent of fish with commercial value breed in reefs.

sources: Environment News Service, Reuters, Associated Press, The New York Times
straight to the report: The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States

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Comments: (5 comments)

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"Disappointed Snorkelers"

Those snorkelers are part of the problem. The chemicals in their sunblock have been shown to harm coral.

If you don't have a suntan and are going to the tropics, go to a tanning salon for a week before you leave and get a tan. That way you don't need sunblock, which saves you money and hassle, and saves the natural environment.

by Wolverine at 2:03 PM on 08 Jul 2008

Color me soon to be gone

When are we going to learn that the unregulated products that we put on our hair and skin go down the drain and wind up somewhere? If you don't at least care what you're putting on your body, at least think about where it winds up - as in the ground and water. If you think the FDA is regulating these products closely, just look at the news of late. Toxic shower curtains (phylates, etc), formaldehyde in clothing, glues, etc. - not to mention perfume (can't disclose those nasty chemicals, they're trade secrets - and hmmmm, wonder why?) The other "beauty" produts we use - those are chock full of some nasty chemicals too. Just because you don't immediately get sick/have a reaction to something doesn't mean it's not harmful.

by Masked Goddess at 8:45 AM on 09 Jul 2008

Coral Reef Health

I read with concern the article about the coral reefs.We are faced with some truely difficult choices.Like it or not, fishing is an industry which a fair number of people depend on for their well being.Is how they pay their rent, buy food, and clothe their children.It also helps provide a source of protein for countries which lack land enough to raise cattle, hogs,ect.We must reach a balance between protecting the Oceans, and keeping people employed.Much more damage will happen if the Oceans are destroyed than just an eco system being gone.As food for thought.I grew up in the midwest, surrounded by farms.Grow weary of hearing about inhumane and irresponsable fishing methods while hearing little about the environmental impacts of raising livestock and the barbaric slaughtering methods used.Both industries have major issues which need to be dealt with.The future health of ecosystems as well as the future of people's jobs depends on this being done fairly and effectively.

by adriana37 at 12:08 PM on 09 Jul 2008

More Damage Than Destroying The Oceans?

Wow, I think that's the most anthropocentric thing I've ever heard or read, and that's saying quite a bit. It's also totally ignorant, ecologically retarded. If you destroy the ecosystem of the oceans, there won't be any life left as we know it. Your idea of balance is way out of whack.

by Wolverine at 10:27 PM on 09 Jul 2008

OVERFISHING

Overfishing must now be seen as a threat to human existence -http://www.blueplanetsociety.org/about14.html

by Blueplanet at 5:16 AM on 14 Jul 2008

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