Good News for Indonesia's Coral Reef
Thursday, January 1, 2009
For some reason I believe coral reefs are magical creations that deserve to be left in their purest and most pristine condition. They are so gorgeous that it's devastating when reefs are damaged by the hand of man or whims of nature. That's why I am thrilled to hear that Indonesia's coral reefs are making a rapid recovery after the calamitous tsunami four years ago.According to encouraging reports from a team from the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), high densities of “baby corals” are thriving in areas that were severely impacted by the tsunami.
"On the 4th anniversary of the tsunami, this is a great story of ecosystem resilience and recovery," said Dr, Stuart Campbell, coordinator of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Indonesia Marine Program. "Our scientific monitoring is showing rapid growth of young corals in areas where the tsunami caused damage, and also the return of new generations of corals in areas previously damaged by destructive fishing. These findings provide new insights into coral recovery processes that can help us manage coral reefs in the face of climate change."
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. Visit: www.wcs.org.
To make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, visit www.wcs.org/donation
Reading Resources:
1. Coral Reefs (World Life Library)
2. Reef Life: Natural History and Behaviors of Marine Fishes and Invertebrates
3. Rainbow Reefs: Images From Hawaii's Underwater Paradise
Labels: awareness, conservation
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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