Coral Reef Cornucopia: rich coral biodiversity off Madagascar

With so much dire news these days regarding the world's coral - from coral bleaching, to ocean acidification, to over a majority of the reefs being degraded - it's always good to get some good news every once in a while.  Guarded news perhaps, but it reminds us that all is not lost if we act responsibly and act now.

Scientists from the Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (what a mouthful), also known as CORDIO, have reported the results of a study from 2002 to 2010 on reef-building corals in the West Indian Ocean.  Their survey shows a high level of coral biodiversity, particularly around Madagascar, the large island off the central east coast of Africa.

In the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the African continent, the scientists found as many as 200 to 300 coral species at various sites in the area.  In other locations within the West Indian Oceans, there were less than 200 species, making the Mozambique Channel especially rich.

Throughout the West Indian Ocean, the scientists found 369 species of coral and estimated that there could be as many as 450 species.  That would put the area head-to-head with other well-known coral reefs like the northern Great Barrier Reef.

As healthy as the reef-building corals in Madagascar and surrounding waters may be, they are not immune to the challenges and threats against them, particularly as Africa attempts to build its economy and infrastructure.  Pollution from urbanization, overfishing, and energy exploration are just a few of the dangers these reefs face. 

Coral reefs of the Western Indian Ocean need careful management and protection if they are to realize their full potential for improving human well-being in this critical developing region," said Steve Katona, managing director of the Ocean Health Index.

While coral reefs provide natural protection from storms and an ecological foundation for healthy fish populations - all of which are beneficial to mankind, Katona added they are also "threatened by warming sea-surface temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution by chemicals, nutrients and sediment, ultraviolet light, invasion by alien species and direct habitat destruction from unsustainable fishing techniques, divers, boat anchors, coral collection or mining and dredging."

But for the moment, we can revel in the knowledge that healthy, pristine reefs can still be found in the world.  Now it is our job, our duty, to not only preserve this coral oases but to build upon their success elsewhere. 

Source: LiveScience  

Ocean Health Index: scientists present new measurement that includes humankind

A cooperative effort by scientists from several ocean-related organizations including Conservation International and Stanford University's Center for Ocean Solutions has resulted in a new "health index" for rating the world's oceans.  On a scale of 0 to 100, the scientists gave an overall rating of 60.

As reported by Nika Soon-Shiong in the Los Angeles Times, the new index differs from other types of measurements that have been done in the past because it includes the presence of mankind, either as a positive or negative influence depending the specific factor being measured.  Those factors could range from pollution to sustainable fishing to shoreline protection, and more.

"The old model of trying to save nature by keeping people out simply won't work," said study coauthor Steven Katona, managing director of the Ocean Health Index for the nonprofit environmental group Conservation International based in Arlington, Va. "People and nature are not separate anymore."

Scores were given for particular nations, or the seas with which they share, and the numbers ranged from a high of 86 to a low 36.  The United States scored a near average 63.  The scientists gathered a variety of data: economic data from the United Nations; ocean temperature, sea ice, and UV radiation from NOAA; and considered 133 ocean economic zones.

According to the Los Angeles Times, "The index score for the United States suggests, according to the Nature study, that the country could improve its ocean health by supporting tourism businesses that are environmentally friendly; encouraging sustainable fishing practices; and investing in aquaculture to provide jobs and economic benefits to coastal communities.

Boosting the global index score rests mainly on improving sustainable fishing and cultivation of marine organisms for food provision as well as halting the loss of coastal habitats, the study found.

Generally speaking, higher-income countries had higher scores thanks to better environmental regulations and more money to devote to ocean-friendly pursuits. But there were several exceptions, most notably Singapore (which scored a 42) and Poland (a tad better at 48). Both countries had low levels of food provision from the ocean and fewer "lasting special places," among other problems.

Conversely, developing countries like Seychelles and Suriname earned relatively high scores — 73 and 69, respectively — thanks to high levels of carbon storage, sustainable harvesting of natural ocean products, coastal protection and opportunities for artisanal fishing."

With plans to recalculate the score each year, the scientists hope that the new ocean index will provide policymakers with a helpful yardstick as to how measure current conditions and policies.  After all, these are people who do not make decisions outside of human considerations, like it or not.  By including human interests in the ocean than the new measurement will not only reflect our mistakes or failings, it will also highlight how the ocean benefits mankind and, remarkably, vice versa.

Source: Los Angeles Times.