Exciting research has revealed new insights into coral bleaching. By studying the pest anemone Aiptasia pallida, scientists found how Cnidarians induce their own bleaching after exposure to high temperatures!
The intensive use of powerful lighting above marine aquaria is common practice amongst aquarists nowadays. This is now regarded as a necessity for keeping healthy and fast growing corals. Recent studies have indicated that this philosophy is just part of the story…
Coral reefs; what exactly are they? Read this article and step into the wonderful world of tropical coral reefs, supported by beautiful images from photographer Hans Leijnse!
The use of supplements in the (marine) aquarium has always been controversial, dividing hobbyists into two camps. The question is; do supplements really matter? Let's take a look at amino acids; a popular additive nowadays.
Global warming is seen as the number one threat to the world's coral reefs, next to overfishing, pollution and eutrophication. It is common knowledge that elevated sea surface temperatures may cause coral bleaching. That an increase in atmospheric CO2 could be just as threatening, is not.
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| Current opinions from coral experts |
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| Written by Tim Wijgerde | |
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This year is the International Year of the Reef; IYOR 2008. For this reason, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef studies has published a series of lectures from the world’s leading coral scientists! Take a look at their website, where people such as Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg talk about climate change and coral reefs. The message is clear; the tides have to be turned when it comes to burning of fossil fuels! We NEED the coral reefs; Ecology: - coral reefs provide a habitat for a staggering amount of fish and invertebrate species Society and economy: - many people are dependent on the coral reefs worldwide (fishing, ecotourism and ornamental trade) - the Great Barrier Reef alone yielded an estimated gross of 10 billion USD in 2004, mainly from ecotourism Geology: - Coral reefs worldwide protect the coastline of 109 countries (think of the 2004 tsunami!)
Have a look at the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef studies website, and watch a video now, or have a look at a list of many presentations. |
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