[Coral-List] coral relocation

[Dean Jacobson]

I'd like to remind the list that acres of live lagoon coral are *still* being relocated to Majuro's airport (just west of the end of the runway), 14,000 dump truck fulls... the dredging is creeping, these past 12 months, closer and closer to a exceptionally colorful and unique shallow patch of coral that really, really needs saving, but I have been able to muster the political or moral force to make this happen.  Recently the Secretary of the Dept of Interior visited Majuro, she was surprised (and I hope horrified) to learn the live coral was being mined... but I doubt she new the full depth of FAA's involvement, including their deception and failed promises.  
Something has to happen soon, and I am all ears... some have told me that coral protection (with regards to US-funded construction projects) in the RMI is "gaining traction" but these are just empty words until I have evidence.  Please help!

It should not come as any surprise that a two year attempt to have me deported from Majuro has finally born fruit; my college is refusing to renew my contract (something that has happened routinely for a decade) and I will be returning to the mainland May 2014.

Cheers,
Dean Jacobson
College of the Marshall Islands


________________________________
 From: "david at medio.fsnet.co.uk" <david at medio.fsnet.co.uk>
To  
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 10:34 PM
Subject: [Coral-List] coral relocation
 

I have never - a priori - been in favour of coral relocation and artificial reefs in general. They do in some cases allow for the few coral colonies present in a particular setting to survive if moved elsewhere, e.g. Doha Airport is an example. However, given it has become flavour of the month in may offshore and coastal projects (those requiring infilling), we as scientists should be very careful in endorsing the practice outright. It is unlikely we can re-create the complex 3D fabric of a coral reef any time soon, condoning the removal of a reef because it can moved elsewhere also leads to ecosystem simplification; coral relocation also frequently means moving a natural resource out of the reach of recreational users and, as in the case of Dubai aquarium, encourages the likes of dolphinaria and similar outdated and frequently cruel practices.



Dr David Medio
Marine Scientist and Manager
email: david at medio.fsnet.co..uk
Mobile: +44 7739190968
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