MTV’s Trippin’ Cast Do Reef Check of Honduras Coral Reefs The inside story. What did Cameron Diaz and her friends Kelly Slater, Jessica Alba, Chris Chelios, and Kid Rock find out about the reefs of Honduras when they filmed an episode of MTV’s Trippin’? MTV Air Times: Check local listings for TV times near you. Reef Check Scientist Dr. Ruben Torres reports that Cameron and friends were blown away by the incredible coral reefs of Cayos Cochinos, Honduras and loved the diving so much, that they didn’t want to leave. Unfortunately, Cameron and friends found out that the reefs of Honduras are facing some major challenges today. Key Environmental Issues:
Solutions:
To learn more about the coral reefs of Honduras, check out the information below: Honduras Background: Honduras Geography:
Coral Reefs of Honduras: Ruben explained that these reefs grow to as deep as 75 meters. Corals are animals, but are the biggest solar panels in the world, with microscopic algae living in their tissues. The algae need sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and the corals need the algae to have enough energy to build a big skeleton. So reef-building corals don’t grow in very deep water where there is insufficient light. The common corals seen on the Cayos Cochinos reefs include the star coral that forms huge “heads” and a plate coral. Ruben told the Trippin team to watch out for the abundant “fire coral” because it causes a sharp sting! The reefs of the Bay Islands and Cayos Cochinos have the highest number of coral species in the region. They provide habitat for more than 225 species of fish found in the islands. The local people rely on subsistence fishing and like many areas of the Caribbean, have over-fished high-value species such as the delicious Nassau Grouper. Now that Cayos Cochinos is a no-fishing area, beautiful fish like these are making a come-back and Reef Check teams have counted a number in recent surveys. Recently a ban on lobster fishing using scuba gear was enacted within the Cayos Cochinos.
The long-term solution to most of the problems facing coral reefs is to set up well-enforced reserves where no fishing is allowed. This will allow the fish and lobster to reproduce and “reseed” the surrounding area. Honduras is very lucky to have leaders such at the Cayos Cochinos Park Director, Adrian Oviedo, who are educating local people, carrying out Reef Check training and surveys and protecting these invaluable resources for the future. For more information about coral reef problems and solutions see: For more information about Honduras and its reefs contact: http://www.opwall.com/2004%20Honduras%20Cayos%20Cochinos.htm Cayos Cochinos Park For more information about MTV’s Trippin’: |