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Coral Disease and Fish and Connectivity
Strategy Planning At Akumal
We know that coral reefs are dying all over the world. Many are located near highly inhabited coastal areas that are not environmentally friendly and some are found in what would be considered ‘pristine’ areas. What is causing the destruction of the coral reefs and can we make any changes that will help to preserve them? These are questions being asked by marine scientists.
The World Bank, Global Environmental Fund, GEF and The WorldFish Center are sponsoring six marine science groups to determine the health of the coral reefs worldwide, and whether or not human activities are playing a role in their life and death.
Disease and Fish and Connectivity have met at Akumal to plan their strategies for their GEF-proposed projects. Dr. Drew Harvell, Cornell University, Chair of the Coral Disease Group brought her group to Akumal in September, 2002 and they have chosen Akumal and the nearby UNAM lab at Pto Morelos as one of the 5 study sites in the world. Other locations might include Philippines, Palau, E. Africa and Australia. Each site will be studied for the diversity, impact and spread of coral diseases. Unfortunately, the reefs of Akumal provide examples of most known Caribbean coral diseases and syndromes.
In mid-January, Dr. Peter Sale led 35 fish and coral scientists, oceanographers, and modelers in a planning meeting on connectivity and how that can be determined. This means how does some material go from one place to the other in the ocean. One scientist described it as, “the flux of stuff”. How do coral larvae move and recruit to other reefs. How far do they go? The importance of knowing is to help coastal area managers better understand where they need the most protection.
As far as I know, the Fish and Connectivity Group will study those areas where there are fish aggregations and at known spawning locations. Chinchorro Banks is one of the locations and there are grouper aggregations in Belize. As far as I know, Akumal will not be a place for their studies.
Dr. Robert Steneck a member of the group is conducting his studies here at Akumal and he will be returning. His graduate student, Shauna Slingsby is also doing her thesis work at Akumal. Click here for the list of researchers at Akumal.
A lot of information is available on the Internet about the health of the coral reefs and the organizations dedicated to helping preserve the unique environment of living corals and their inhabitants. Fish, corals, and many other forms of marine life are endangered.
Please go to the following sites, inform yourself about the pressing issues facing the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and help in every way you can. We need you!
United Nations Environment Programme
UNEP, Coral Reef Unit
Global Environment Facility
Coral Reef Alliance, Diving Guide
ReefBase
Want to know how the reefs of Quintana Roo are doing? Click here to download abstract from The Status of Coral Reefs in the World.
The entire book is available from the Internet and the Akumal area is described in Chapter 18.
Lydia Pontius and Kate Robinhawk are compiling a more extensive list of internet sites that can keep you well informed and abreast of the latest scientific information about the marine environment and our role in its preservation.
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