[Coral-List] Coral reefs importance brainstorm
Andy Collins
Andy.Collins at noaa.gov
Sat Aug 16 16:06:04 EDT 2003
Aloha Coral List Members,
In the recent batch of articles, particularly in Science magazine,
concerning worldwide coral reef decline there appears to be little
discussion of the importance of coral reefs. There is a lot of
discussion over why they are "doomed" and how long it will take for them
to disappear completely at the rate they are declining but I find the
discussion over why they are important lacking. There is always mention
of coral reef biodiversity, protection from storms, protection for
intrinsic value, and importance to those cultures that get their food
directly from the reef but I would like more information.
I am particulrly interetested in the importance of coral reef habitats
to economically important pelagic species larvae, such as tuna or
billfish (particularly Hawaiian and Pacific coral reefs). I do not have
much information on this, or to what degree coral reefs are important to
these species. I would also like general information about the
importance of coral reefs, and what effects might be seen from their
decline. I realize this is a very generic question, but as an outreach
person I always get the stupid questions, like:
"Why should I worry about coral reefs.....what are they good for anyway?"
And I can use all the ammunition I can get my hands on.
Thanks,
--
Andy Collins
Education Coordinator/Webmaster
NOAA/NOS Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve
6700 Kalaniana'ole Hwy. # 215
Honolulu, HI 96825
---------------------------
Ph: (808)397-2659
Mobile: (808)347-8144
Fx: (808)397-2662
http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov
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