[Coral-List] Leading by Example (International Coral Reef Observatory)

[Ruleo Camacho]

Greetings,

I am reaching out from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) nestled
within the Caribbean Sea. I deeply resonate with the sentiments expressed
and acknowledge the risks associated with hastily pursuing the
transplantation of "heat-resilient" corals. However, I believe there is
merit in exploring diverse conservation strategies.

In the summer of 2023, our attention was drawn to Caribbean reefs, with
alarming discussions surrounding "local extinctions," particularly
concerning acroporids. Presently, we face challenges in sourcing a
sufficient number of unbleached corals to establish nurseries and for
potential future outplanting efforts.

While pollution and habitat destruction persist as pressing concerns, many
islands are making strides in addressing these issues. Sustainable
Development Goal 14 is integral to our daily lives. While a reduction in
global shipping and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic had positive
environmental implications, the economic realities of most SIDS preclude a
return to such conditions.

Post-COVID years have underscored the urgency for immediate solutions. Most
progress that we observed in our reef systems were severely hampered from
events like Urchin Die-offs, SCTLD, RTL, and coral bleaching. While
addressing global challenges is crucial, there appears to be limited global
appetite for change. The impacts of climate change on SIDS and Caribbean
coral reefs will persist, irrespective of future actions. While mitigating
local degradation is vital for enhancing system resilience, it will not
shield our reefs from impending summers of extreme heat and disease
outbreaks.

We must indeed champion initiatives to reduce pollution, habitat
degradation, and enhance overall coral reef health, encompassing the
management of seagrass beds, rocky shorelines, beaches, and mangrove
ecosystems. Additionally, a comprehensive "ridge-to-reef" management
approach is imperative for the Caribbean basin. However, this does not
negate the necessity for advancing discussions on more immediate solutions.
This is precisely the purpose of our group.

It is time to confront the tough conversations surrounding "instant"
solutions if we are to salvage any hope for Caribbean coral reef ecosystems.

Best regards,

-- 
Ruleo A. Camacho
MSc Marine Biology (Coral Reefs)
MSc Marine Policy (Alternative Marine Management Systems)
US Fulbright Foreign Scholar 2013-6
1-268-728-3553 (Cell)
1-268-460-1252 (Home)
ruleo.camacho (Skype)

"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to
turn on the light" Albus Dumbledore