Incredible article in Nature Conservancy

[ishmael]

A must read for all aquarium hobbyists.

http://www.nature.org/magazine/autumn2010/features/art32082.html

 

[FLGator56]

Great article, but...

Great article, but...

...really a sad reminder how much has changed for the worse. We had a place in the keys and dove from Pickles to Carysfort from 79-86. Carysfort had acres of elkhorn coral and was fantastic. I really remember snorkeling under the lighthouse with 200 lb + tarpon coming just above the elk horn encroaching on the legs. The reefs were fantastic and what we have today is a pale shadow. Sad to think my kids may never see that, but with programs like this, maybe my grandkids will...

 

[bogg]

Thanks for posting I think I'll sell my buisness and join the efforts

 

[ishmael]

I traveled to Virgin Gorda last year (British Virgin Islands) and was looking forward to snorkling there. It was extremely depressing. The local guides told me the reefs had been desimated due to the runoff of phosphates and pollution in the area.
This article is very encouraging though. I think we can turn things around. At least i hope......

The most shocking line in the article imo was....

"The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that coral populations in the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas and the U.S. Virgin Islands have declined by more than 97 percent." :sad2:

 

[greenbean36191]

"The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that coral populations in the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas and the U.S. Virgin Islands have declined by more than 97 percent."

That's a 97% decline of Acropora, not total coral cover. Virtually all of that loss is due to the White Band Disease outbreak in the 1980s.

The decline of total coral cover is dramatic, but not 97%. Jamaica is the poster child for loss of coral cover in the Caribbean, with their decline of about 80%

 

[carlosR]

O.K. I haven't done any diving in the mentioned reefs and there are problems out there but I do want to say be careful believing all you read and hear. Conservation groups and government agencies have their agendas and will manipulate "data" to make their story.
I worked in both the conservation and government fields for 30 years.

 

[schnitm]

I traveled to Virgin Gorda last year (British Virgin Islands) and was looking forward to snorkling there. It was extremely depressing. The local guides told me the reefs had been desimated due to the runoff of phosphates and pollution in the area.
This article is very encouraging though. I think we can turn things around. At least i hope......

Virgin Gorda is sort of depressing. If you go back, travel a little further. Norman island has some nice coral. Anegada is absolutely amazing. Of course there are hardly any people on Anegada. A great reason to go there and a big reason the reef is in such good shape.