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Volume 6 - Issue 2, August 2006 |
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Site Spotlight - Australia Reef Check Champion - Mara New Reef Check News | |||||||||||||||||||
| Site Spotlight- Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
Australia
is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef,
stretching over 2300 km along the northeast coast of the country. Reef Check
Australia is headquartered in Townsville and led by Executive Director Jos
Hill. Every year, teams of divers survey dozens of reefs. For many of these
sites there are data to provide a year-by-year picture of the health of the
reef. The
award has added to what has been a breakthrough year for Reef Check
Australia. Not only did they recently become an official environmental
charity (donations are now tax deductible and can be made through their
website, www.reefcheckaustralia.org),
they also came up with a unique fundraising idea: Townville’s beer lovers
can now help save reefs by diving into a new brew called Beeramundi.
The new beer was named as part of a competition held in partnership between Reef Check Australia and the Townsville Brewing Company. Beeramundi was launched on April 21st at the Brewery in Flinders Mall, Townsville. Reef Check Australia’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Roger Beeden, said that the competition was designed to raise community awareness of the threats to our coral reefs. “We asked people to come up with a name, and a slogan for the beer, and an educational concept that would help make reef conservation into a conversation topic,” Mr. Beeden said. “We were very pleased to get more than 100 entries, and some really great ideas,” he added. The
name ‘Beeramundi’ was the brainchild of Eion Howe. The judges were
particularly impressed with his entry as it relates to two fish, the highly
prized estuarine Barramundi and the protected Barramundi Cod found on the
reef, which also is a Reef Check indicator organism for the Indo-Pacific.
The artwork for the beer shows a Barramundi Cod peering out of the label. A
team effort by Dean Miller, Alana Grech and James Moloney was responsible
for the slogan “Saving the reef one beer at a time.” Johnston Davidson
was the winner of the educational concept part of the competition with his
idea to feature a reef quiz on beer coasters, with questions on one side and
answers on the other. Beer and reef enthusiasts can now support Reef Check
simply by enjoying a Beeramundi from Townsville’s own microbrewery;
financial support will come in the form of a percentage profit donation from
each Beeramundi sold. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Check Champion- Mara New | |||||||||||||||||||
Over
the past two years, Mara New has been an invaluable asset to Reef Check.
First introduced to Reef Check by her good friend Carol Connors, Mara’s
support of our efforts recently led her to a spot on our Board of
Directors. Her love of the ocean first started in Italy, where she spent
three months of every summer at the beach. Born
in Milan and hailing from the Beltrami House of Fashion that was launched
in the early 1900s, Mara’s family began as tailors and shoemakers and
evolved into clothing designers and manufacturers in the early 1920s.
Mara’s passion for clothes had her start the Golden Needle Awards in
2004 to recognize and award emerging designers. From
Italy, Mara moved to Australia where she graduated in Architecture and
studied acting and dance, which led to a number of appearances in shows
and on television during her stay there. Now based in Los Angeles, Mara is
still acting and performing live theatre, doing 3 to 4 plays a year with
her favorite theater, “Secret Rose” in the NOHO Arts District. Mara
dreams to start a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau, to open her own theatre
in Hollywood, and to spend more time in their country home in Tuscany. Currently she is helping Reef Check prepare for our next event, the Inhabitants dance show in Las Vegas on September 26. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Check News | |||||||||||||||||||
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"Reef Check adventures" book for kids now available!
In
this exciting and challenging activity book, Reef Check brings to children
ages 7-12 the dazzling and diverse coral reefs of the world. With over 40
pages of engaging activities and fun factoids, children will discover the
mysterious and magical undersea world of color and light. Readers will
also be exposed to the importance of conservation and what they can do to
insure the survival of these ecological wonders. This book promises hours
of fun and enjoyment with educational lessons to last a lifetime.
Jean-Michel
Cousteau, Carol Connors, and Barbi Benton Recipients of Top Honors At Reef
Rescue 2006 in Beverly Hills, June 11th
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| Mara New, Barbi Benton, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carol Connors, and Cheryl Holdridge Post; Suzan Hughes, Mara New and Barbi Benton |
Spearheading Reef Rescue 2006 as Event Chair was Beverly Hills
philanthropist, environmentalist and art collector, Mara New. Major
sponsors included Diageo,
Body Glove, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
Guests entered the event through a magnificent coral reef arch
constructed by world-renowned aquarium designer David Manwarren, and
viewed a healthy reef system up-close and personal via a custom-built
100-gallon salt-water aquarium.
This year’s gala MC’d by actor Ron Masak, honored the legendary
Jean-Michel Cousteau (Founder and President of Ocean Futures
Society, son
of the late Jacques Yves Cousteau) with the “Poseidon Award” for
his lifetime achievements in marine conservation. Sharing
the honoree spotlight were two-time Oscar nominated songwriter Carol
Connors along with actress and singer Barbi Benton, who both received
the "Mermaids of the Reef Award” for their dedicated support
and advocacy of reef conservation.
The attendees of the event included Kelly Slater, Kelly Hu, David Chokachi,
Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Cheryl Holdridge Post, Russ and Charlotte
Lesser, Deanna Lund, Kate Linder, Merrie Lynn Ross, Leyla Milani, Kimberly
Burke, Erin Cahill, Barbara Morrison, Tahitian Pearl Ambassador Nancy
Morgan, and many more.
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Kelly Slater with RC’s Tekau Frere and Erin Benke |
Barbi
Benton performed a hula with music by Hawaiian artist Keali’i Reichel,
and Carol Connors entertained
the crowd with a special performance of her legendary hit, “To Know Him
is to Love Him”.
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| David
Manwarren’s beautiful coral reef arch served as the entrance to
the party |
The
attendees bid on a wide variety of silent and live auction items,
including fabulous travel opportunities, rare memorabilia and
collectibles, fine jewelry, and scores of desirable items from
around the world. Also
showcased were unique items from the private collection of Ronald and Mara
New, many of which have graced the halls of top museums.
The event also carried out one of RC’s top mission goals: education and awareness. Surf champion Kelly Slater reminded the attendees of the benefits of maintaining the reefs for the surf community, and Jean-Michel Cousteau stressed the necessity of preserving the world’s most precious treasures in a passionate speech in which he pleaded to the crowd that, “When you leave today you must continue to help save our oceans.” Actress Kelly Hu introduced a new way of supporting Reef Check: the Honolulu Marathon in December to benefit Reef Check Hawai’i, for which she has been “running her butt off” as she trains with legendary Olympian, Carl Lewis.
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| Suzan Hughes, Mara New and Barbi Benton |
The success of the event was made possible through the generous donations
from sponsors, individuals, as well as the hard work and commitment of
volunteers who helped us put this event together. Reef Check would like to
thank them for helping us carry on with our core mission, “Saving Reefs
Worldwide!”
Video
of the event can be accessed at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8395023333909419115&hl=en,
and photos can be purchased at www.collages.net
(15% of each purchase will benefit Reef Check; Username: reef rescue 2006;
password: 10878). For more information about future Reef Check events,
check out our website: www.reefcheck.org/events/event_calendar.asp
Special Event Marks Official Launch of
Reef Check Dominican Republic
On June 17th, the beautiful facilities of the Yacht Club at La Marina Casa de Campo hosted the official launch of the Reef Check Foundation in the Dominican Republic. The successful evening saw the attendance of many local media and representatives of the national press.
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| Kelly Hu and RC Dominican Republic Director Ruben Torres on the boat to Catalina Island |
A select group of invited guests accompanied
Guest of Honor, actress and RC spokesperson Kelly Hu, and enjoyed the
proceedings. Mrs. Elena Brineman, director of USAID in the Dominican
Republic, spoke about the global importance of marine conservation. Dr.
Rubén Torres, director of RC Dominican Republic, informed everyone about
his goals and dreams for RC Dominican Republic. Kelly Hu spoke about Reef
Check’s accomplishments and about the important role it plays in
educating and motivating society towards world reef conservation. Kelly
also got a first-hand look at the Dominican reefs as she spent some time
snorkeling among the beautiful corals of Catalina Island.
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Tony Torres, Alexis Medina, RC volunteer Oswaldo Orgini, RC DR board member Humberto Ruiz |
Philip Silvestre, Mitch Allen, USAID Dominican Republic Director Elena Brineman, USAID Dominican Republic Program Manager Michael Donald |
Reef Check Adds Four to the Board
Four new members have been added to the Reef
Check board in past months. They include Eddy Medora (former marketing
director for Disney), Shepard Smith (talent manager), Will Knox (restaurant consultant) and Mara New, who
is featured as this issue’s Reef Check Champion.
Thank You BBQ for Volunteers
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| Photo: Tekau Frere |
Reef Check is an
organization that depends primarily on the involvement and support of
volunteers. Whether worldwide or in California, we always welcome the help
of reef enthusiasts. As a proof of our gratitude, we opened our
headquarters to the California volunteers who completed their recent
training, and to those who donated their time and energy to help us with
Reef Rescue 2006. “I always enjoy opportunities to promote important
causes,” said volunteer Athena Trentin. “Volunteering with
organizations such as Reef Check empowers me to feel I have had the chance
to influence our environment in a positive way,” she added.
It was a warm and
beautiful day in Pacific Palisades and after a delicious BBQ by RC chef
Chris Knight, volunteers and staff went down the beach to play volleyball
and enjoy the afternoon sun, a nice way to kick off the 4th of July
weekend. Our sincere thanks goes out to all our fantastic volunteers!
Reef Check at the Kona Classic 2006
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| Jim
Squires’ winning shot |
Some of the world’s
top underwater photo bugs got a crash course in reef ecosystems and
conservation at this year's Kona Classic on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
In our third year of participation, Reef Check was once again partnering
with Body Glove to bring a sustainable environmental aspect to this
prestigious week-long photography celebration. Over 50 aspiring
photographers, and pros Marty Snyderman, David Fleetham, and Ty Sawyer
worked with Reef Check staff members, talking about Reef Check and
conducting surveys with the event participants. The highlight of the week
was Body Glove Kids' Day at the Kailua-Kona Pier. Over 100 local kids,
ages 6-17, showed up to collect their free set of snorkel gear from Body
Glove and to go on a snorkel treasure
hunt while learning some basic things to help protect their local reefs.
Reef Check offered special prizes to the
following event participants who took the best shots of local indicator
species for Reef Check: Jim Squires (1st Place), Lance Hansen (2nd Place),
Dee Wescott (3rd Place), and Cynthia Hankins (Honorable Mention). These
shots will be used in Reef Check training materials for the benefit of all
Reef Check divers.
Reef Check was very proud to participate in this annual event and we owe
special thanks to Body Glove and its President Russ Lesser for making our
presence at this year's Kona Classic a huge success.
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Cyndi
Dawson - RC’s new Central Coast Manager |
After one year of
development and field testing, Reef Check California is officially underway.
We have successfully completed three trainings and the newly trained
volunteer divers have been hard at work completing three full surveys with
several additional surveys in progress.
We have also added a new staff member to our team, Cyndi
Dawson, who
will be coordinating our efforts along the Central Coast.
Cyndi previously worked as a biologist for the California Department
of Fish and Game on the Central Coast standardizing underwater census
methods, so as you might expect, she will be a valuable addition.
Speaking
of the California Department of Fish and Game, the Marine Life Protection
Act Initiative is moving forward with the Fish and Game Commission expected
to select a preferred network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) during their
upcoming meeting this August. To help evaluate the effectiveness of the new
network of MPAs, we will be locating survey sites inside and outside the new
protected areas. Now is the time to voice your opinion for the network(s)
you feel will most effectively meet the goals of the Marine Life Protection
Act. I encourage you to visit the Department’s website to learn about the
alternative proposals and submit your comments to http://www.dfg.ca.gov/MRD/mlpa/
Our
1000 Diver
campaign is going strong but we still need your help to get the word out. If
you haven’t already, please sign up and encourage your dive buddies to do
the same.
Welcome once again to Cyndi and we look forward to seeing you all in the
water soon!
Words from a trained
volunteer: “Holy Mackerel, there’s a lot of stuff to count in the
sea!!”
By Claudette Dorsey
I had the pleasure of being a student in the first California Reef Check course in Los Angeles, including a three-day training tour of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Sixteen students were accompanied by two instructors and three marine biologists aboard the dive boat Explorer out of Ventura Harbor. It was an unforgettable experience that will fuel all of us for years to come as we join the Reef Check California Survey and Monitoring Team.
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| RC
California’s first group of trained volunteers! |
We spent the first training dives alternating between being excited new
volunteers, and overwhelmed new research divers. Not everything looked like
the flash card pictures! Giant kelp and sea palms? Easy. The rest?? You’ve
got to be kidding me!! How can I count what I can’t ID, at 9
feet-per-minute over jungle-covered boulders, with a frisky surge swinging
us around? What’s the difference between a warty sea cucumber and a
California sea cuke?? I’m terrible at this! What was I thinking? I’m a
nurse, not a scientist. I dive for fun, not work. Oh my… three days of
being an idiot! I should not be here! Back on deck, the instructors talked
us all down off the ledge, showing us what part of our data was good, and
what was…. not so good. We were taught what we didn’t know (red urchins
can be black… who knew?) and given plenty of opportunities to practice.
Our confidence grew as the instructors poured on the teaching and
encouragement. The second day focused on teaching Fish ID and counts. Like a
slow-mo shooting gallery (without the armaments), we cruised the transect
line, identifying, estimating sizes and numbers, noting all on our survey
data sheets, thumping our heads over the vagaries of black rockfish versus
blue rockfish, pile perch versus rubberlip sea perch, and senoritas versus
female rock wrasses.
I was getting better at this. Wow. Who was I? And what had they done with
the idiot who had been wearing my dive gear yesterday??? Just yesterday...
Wow! Proficiency testing began to go very well.
Day 3 instructions: Be ready to splash in by 9 to begin Fish ID and count
proficiency testing. And then the BIG SURPRISE was revealed:
WE were about to do the first all-volunteer California Reef Check
site survey. Us. Not the scientists. Not the Reef Check Head Honchos. Us. The calibrated, the validated... the nervous and eager.
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| Claudette
Dorsey, Chris Knight and Kathyrn Kempton show off the first survey |
After passing the final tests, we began. Survey tasks were assigned to buddy
teams: transect lines, fish counts, invertebrates, algae, and Uniform
Contact Points. The instructors and scientists looked like proud papas as
all these brand-new Reef Checkers turned in data sheets, got new
assignments, and rolled off the deck to get back to work. Leaders Craig
Shuman and Chris Knight couldn’t stop grinning. Craig completed the final
site description form, and our graduation celebration was complete. WE are
California Reef Checkers now, baby!!!
As the final divers returned, photos were taken, hands were shaken, and the
smiles got bigger. This was a great trip of learning for both the students
and the instructors, who are dedicated to turning enthusiastic volunteers
into accurate data-gathering divers with scientific knowledge and rigor. We
are only the first of many as this program gathers power and rolls out. I'm
still smiling because of this great experience. My diving has been changed
again. And I get another way to give back.
Thank you Craig, Chris and Reef Check for MAKING this happen. We did it, and
you made it fun and wonderful.
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Reef
Check is making a huge splash at the Chameleon
Studios hosting INHABITANTS,
an artistic performance of dancers and musical artists from Celine Dion
and Franco Dragone’s “A New Day” show in Las Vegas, as well as
dancers from the Nevada Ballet Theatre.
These professional artists will use music and body movement to
deliver a compelling message about the importance of coral reefs to our
ecosystem and to our daily lives.
The entire spectacle– from costumes and choreography, to music
and video projections, follows a theme inspired by the mysteriously
beautiful underworld of coral ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit
them.
Tickets
are on sale now, visit www.reefcheck.org/events/inhabitants.asp
Reef Check EcoAction Workshop in Cozumel,
Mexico: October 12-14, 2006
Reef Check will be
offering a 3-day Training of Trainers Certification Course from Thursday,
12 October to Saturday, 14 October preceding the ITMEMS 3 Symposium in
Cozumel, Mexico. The course will include the new 2006 training and testing
EcoDiver materials and will provide participants with a formal Reef Check
Trainer Certification. This course will include at least one dive at the
marine park. A specialty certification may also be obtained from one of
the major dive certification organizations. This Training Course is
primarily targeted at existing RC Coordinators for a maximum of 25
participants. For more details, please email Dr. Ruben Torres at ruben@reefcheck.org.
Reef Check Hawai’i’s Luau With The
Stars: December 11, 2006
On December 10th,
actress Kelly Hu will be running for the reefs in this year’s Honolulu
Marathon. Be sure to join Kelly and her celebrity friends at a special
fundraising party on the 11th. All proceeds will benefit Reef Check
Hawai’i. For more information, email Melissa Mac Garrett at melissa@reefcheck.org
or visit http://www.reefcheckhawaii.org/Events/events.html
CoralWatch “Focus on Corals” Workshop
in Heron Island, Australia: January 5-9, 2007
This
workshop with show marine educators
how they can use the simple CoralWatch coral bleaching charts both in the classroom and on the reef. Attendees will learn how they can use
the CoralWatch technique to collect scientific data while increasing
awareness about coral reefs and environmental issues. Visit www.coralwatch.org today to book your spot.
Reef Check French Polynesia
French Polynesia, a
French overseas country in the South Pacific, is made up of over 100
islands spread out over an area as vast as Western Europe. Because of
this, implementing a coral reef monitoring network like Reef Check is a
challenge.
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| Reef
Check team from the island of Moorea Photo: Elodie Lagouy |
Reef Check surveys
have been conducted in the territory since 2000, but the lack of personnel
and funding have limited the scope of action: only a handful number of
sites have been studied. Bora Bora was the only island that hired a Reef
Check team leader since the prestigious Blue Flag certification required
Reef Check data to confirm the pristine state of the lagoon.
This problem was fixed in February 2006 when Reef Check partnered with the
Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific (CRISP), in which CRISP agreed
to provide a financial contribution to help launch a permanent program
headed by Elodie Lagouy.
Born in Martinique,
Elodie arrived in French Polynesia in 2000 and soon volunteered for Reef
Check. Her exemplary dedication made her an excellent candidate for such a
position. Since her nomination, Elodie has traveled to 4 of the 5
territory’s archipelagoes, visiting islands and reefs never before
surveyed nor studied.
In addition to CRISP,
Reef Check French Polynesia (RCFP) found a valuable partner in the local
Department of Sustainability headed by Georges Handerson. “We support
Reef Check because we like the idea of locals managing their own
resources. Our ancestors used to do so, and it is natural that our
generation do the same,” he said. “Environmental sustainability cannot
be achieved without the support and contribution of each and every one in
the preservation of our environment,” he added. For this reason, the
Department launched the Heipuni Days, during which the Minister and
environmental partners, including the RC coordinator, travel to different
islands of French Polynesia to meet locals and educate them about
environmental issues. “I really like this concept,” Elodie said
“because I am able to make new contacts, find volunteers and team
members in new islands...It’s a valuable help for RC.” RC French
Polynesia is now working on a local logo, regional data sheets, field
guides, an advertisement campaign, and network expansion. If you would
like to know more about RCFP, or to be trained during your next vacation,
contact Elodie at elodie@reefcheck.org.
First
Reef Check Survey in Bangladesh
Submitted by Zahirul Islam
In
December 2005, biologists from the MarineLife Alliance successfully
conducted the very first Reef Check survey in Bangladesh. The survey and
subsequent work was done on the island of St. Martin, the only continental
island in Bangladesh with coral communities.
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| Members
of the first Reef Check survey team in Bangladesh
Photo:
MarineLife Alliance |
The
coral habitat in Bangladesh has long been under threat from anthropogenic
impacts. Despite the island being designated as an Ecological Critical
Area (ECA) under the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act in the mid
1990s, damage has increased since 2002 with the development of mass
tourism. During their survey, MarineLife Alliance found numerous problems
including underwater garbage and anchor damage by tourist boats. They also
determined that curio items bought by tourists was higher than any other
community-based damage, such as fishing or boat anchoring. Although the
island has its mandate under the ECA regulation, no conservation
initiative has been taken yet and to add to the existing environmental
problems, a recent oil exploration initiative by the government will pose
a major threat to reefs.
The
MarineLife Alliance in collaboration with Reef Check is working to restore
the island coral habitat through the involvement of the local community.
Current activities include:
Establishing a MarineLife Education & Research Center (MERC)
Capacity
building of local community to monitor and survey coral
Developing
a laboratory facility on St. Martin Island for coral research
Initiating
coral and marine life based eco-tourism for community livelihood
Reducing
pollution originated from tourism by field activity and raising
awareness among tourists
Developing a diving facility for research and ecotourism.
For
more information on MarineLife Alliance, contact Zahirul
Islam.
Reef Check Indonesia: “The Sea is My Life”
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To
celebrate Earth Day, children from a Bali elementary school participated
in a painting competition themed “The Sea is My Life.” Organized by
Reef Check Indonesia, the competition aimed to raise awareness about the
importance of conserving the country’s marine environment. "It was
surprising that they showed incredible interest in the coastal and marine
ecosystem. Their knowledge of marine subjects was clearly reflected in
their paintings," said Naneng
Setiasih, RC Indonesia coordinator.
The young painters also produced amazing paintings that captured the
Indonesian creativity. "Most of the judges found it extremely hard to
choose the best 18 out of more than 100 contestants," Naneng said.
Five-year-old Namira Putri Imansa received the first place prize for
Pemandangan Pantai (The Sea View) in the kindergarten competition. Her
painting is one of 30 works that is displayed for sale at the Mercure
Hotel in Sanur, Bali. The exhibition was launched as part of “The
World Kid’s Day Celebration” at the Mercure Resort Sanur on June 24,
during a charity dinner and auction for those affected by the earthquakes
in Jogya and Central Java. The exhibition, that ran in July, also was part
of the celebration of Indonesia National Children’s Day on July 23.
A
few of these paintings traveled to California and were auctioned off at
Reef Rescue in Beverly Hills. The bright colors, cheerfulness, optimism
and honesty impressed art connoisseurs. “Children with high creativity and sensitivity are our best hope,”
said Primadi Tabrani, a professor at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
“We need more than just knowledge and rational thinking to manage our
ocean, sea and coastal area. Without creativity, it is almost impossible
to address these issues."
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| Purple Queen Anthias Photo: Katrina Adams |
This
year’s Kosrae coral monitoring project, held annually since 1996, will
be September 16 – 29 and you are invited to help out! The collected data
will be submitted to the Kosrae State Fisheries Department for their use
in managing the essential reef resources as well as to Reef Check for
inclusion in the global database. Reef Check coordinator Katrina
Adams tells you what you can expect:
“With a Saturday arrival, we generally plan on acclimation and jet lag
recovery Saturday, land training on Sunday and Monday we DIVE! The Monday
dives are usually check out dives and more hands on training, lots of
coral, fish and critter ID as well as how to deploy 20 meter tapes
underwater! We plan on starting our working dives on Tuesday. Generally,
we have enough time so that we can do one working dive and one fun dive
each diving day (Shhh, don't tell anyone)- as far as they are concerned
you are slaving away- in 150+ foot vis, in 84 f. degree water, with
turtles, barracuda, rare tropicals and rainbow runners dancing around you.
Maybe some mermaids...Sigh- it's a rough life...”
So what do you need in order to join the survey team? You just need to be
dive certified, and the Kosrae team will teach you the rest! And, as a
bonus, you will strengthen your diving and buoyancy skills. Dive, have
fun, learn something AND make a contribution to the continuing health of
our oceans. If you have questions please email katrina@kosraevillage.com.
Photos and data collected by previous teams can be found on the OceanEarth
site at www.oceanearth.org.
Elkhorn
and Staghorn Corals: New Threatened Species Under the Endangered Species
Act
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Acropora coral Photo: NOAA |
On
May 4th, 2006 at the Coral
Reef Task Force meeting, the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced their decision to list elkhorn
(Acropora
palmata) and staghorn (Acropora
cervicornis) coral species as threatened under the 1973 Endangered
Species Act (ESA) (as amended). “This is the first time a coral species
has been listed as threatened in the United States,” said Assistant
Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Service, Bill Hogarth.
A
species is considered endangered by the ESA when it is in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and a
threatened species as one that is likely to become endangered in the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range
(section 3(6) and 3(19) of the ESA).
In
response to a formal petition addressed in March 2004, the NMFS initiated
a status review by the Atlantic Acropora Biological Review Team in June
2004. Section 4 of the ESA specifies that for a species to be qualified as
either threatened or endangered, a list of five factors are to be
considered: 1) damage to, or destruction of a species habitat; 2) overuse
of the species for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational
purposes; 3) disease or predation; 4) the inadequacy of existing
protection, and 5) either natural and human related threats to the
species’ survival. At the end of their 10 month investigation, the team
correlated their findings with the ESA guidelines. They found that the
primary factors affecting the future of these two species included
disease, temperature-induced bleaching, physical damage from hurricanes,
as well as commercial and recreational activities, sediments, and
contaminants from land-based sources. Although neither the elkhorn or
staghorn coral meet the definition of an endangered species under the ESA,
the research team found that both species were likely to become extinct
throughout their entire ranges, possibly within the next 20 to 30 years.
“As
we look ahead, NOAA Fisheries Service is committed to recovering these
species, but we cannot do that without the help and participation from our
constituents and resource users,” explained Bill Hogarth. Even if this
decision appears as a major step forward in the conservation of coral
reefs, the participation of each and every one of us is necessary to
ensure a healthy future for these coral species.
Reference: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2627.htm
A
Presidential Decision: The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National
Monument
On
June 22nd, a study released by Dr. Camilo Mora at the University of
Auckland, New Zealand stated that only 2% of the world’s coral reefs
were safeguarded by Marine Protected Areas. This number can now be revised
with the June 15th Presidential declaration establishing the Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands as a National Monument. This presidential decision was
influenced by a White House private screening of Reef Check Poseidon Award
honoree Jean-Michel Cousteau’s documentary “Voyage to Kure” in April
2006. “He was immediately and decisively affected by the impending
plight of what he witnessed. I remember him turning to his guests and
staff after he watched the episode and saying about the sanctuary
designation, ’We need to get it done,’” said Cousteau about the
documentary screening.
Determined
to expand a no-fishing zone in the region, President Bush called on the
Antiquities Act of 1906 to declare the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a
Marine National Monument. This area covering 139,793 square miles includes
the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, the Midway
National Wildlife Refuge, the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge,
and the Battle of Midway National Memorial, while supporting a dynamic
ecosystem with more than 7,000 marine species, half of which are endemic
to the region. This Marine National Monument is the largest protected
marine area in the world.
In
his speech, the President said, “We’re going to work together with
volunteers to make our oceans safer for marine life. And to give this
remote and special place our nation’s highest level of protection– as
we give it this kind of protection, we’re also reminded of our
responsibility to be wise managers of marine resources living off every
coast.” According to the White House, the new monument will create a new
opportunity for ocean education and research for decades to come.
References:
http://www.oceanfutures.org/press/2006/new_marine.asp
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060615-6.html
http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/about/news/articles/2006/06/marine.cfm
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