From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Tue Feb 3 11:02:21 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:02:21 -0500 (EST) Subject: FKNMS Final Regulations Message-ID: For those of you who have a need, you may find a copy of the Final Regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, as published in the Federal Register, January 30, 1997 at the following URL: ftp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/pub/champ/fknms/fknms_regs.pdf Please note that this is an Adobe document requiring Adobe Acrobat to read. From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Tue Feb 3 12:37:39 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 12:37:39 -0500 (EST) Subject: Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Message-ID: Note deadline for comments is Feb 6, 1998. ------------- [Federal Register: January 7, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 4)] [Notices] [Page 827-828] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07ja98-45] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 122297C] Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (DSEIS); request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS announces the intent of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) to prepare a DSEIS on Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (FMP). Amendment 1 would establish a Marine Conservation District (MCD), approximately 20 square nautical miles in area, in Federal waters south of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The purpose of this notice is to solicit public comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the DSEIS. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the DSEIS must be received on or before February 6, 1998. ADDRESSES: Comments on the scope of the DSEIS and requests for additional information on Amendment 1 should be sent to Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-2577. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Graciela Garcia-Moliner, 787-766-5926, or Georgia Cranmore, 813-570-5305. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1993, the Council's Marine Reserve Zoning Committee recommended the establishment of the first MCD in the U.S. Caribbean, in Federal waters south of St. John, USVI, seaward of the Virgin Islands National Park. A MCD is an area designed to protect coral reef resources, reef fish stocks, and their habitats. Fishing would be prohibited within the MCD, and the Council is considering a ban on the anchoring of fishing vessels [[Page 828]] in the MCD. Expected benefits include: (1) Establishment of a refuge and resource replenishment area to increase abundance and diversity of reef resources; (2) protection of critical spawning stock and recruits from overfishing, thus helping to ensure continued abundance of fishery resources; (3) physical protection of the coral reef structures; and (4) improvement of opportunities for eco-tourism that does not damage coral. Disadvantages include displacement of fishing effort to other areas and possible short-term loss of revenues for commercial fishermen, especially reef fish trap fishermen. Scoping Process Public hearings were held on these issues during March 1996 and October 1997 in the USVI. No additional scoping meetings are scheduled. The Council is requesting written comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the DSEIS. Timetable for DSEIS Preparation and Decisionmaking Schedule The Council intends to accept public comments on the completed DSEIS, prepare a final supplemental environmental impact statement (FSEIS), and submit the FSEIS to NMFS when it submits Amendment 1 for NMFS' review, approval, and implementation. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 31, 1997. Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 98-288 Filed 1-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F From r-roper at cbu.edu Tue Feb 3 15:55:32 1998 From: r-roper at cbu.edu (Roy Roper (CIO)) Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 15:55:32 -0500 Subject: Cozumel/Mexico In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Question to the group. For Cozumel, is there any university based (Mexico) reef research going on that divers can become involved in? I know about "REEF" - but rather than the annual big push, is there some local structure that interested parties might be able to hook into for a few weeks? Thanks in advance. Roy From andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au Wed Feb 4 10:11:28 1998 From: andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au (Andrew Baird) Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998 10:11:28 Subject: searching for CitaDel Message-ID: <3.0.1.16.19980204101128.2d2f6600@pop.jcu.edu.au> Dear coral-listers Can anyone tell me the fate of the CitaDel Database, maintained by Stanford University which contained a series of subject specific database including a Marine Biology with Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (from 1983 to the present). This is the only comprehensive Marine Biology database I have come across. Is it still up and running, who can I contact to subscribe. My previous attempts to contact anyone relevant at Stanford have failed. Andrew Baird work: 61 77 814802 Dept. Marine Biology home: 61 77 712379 James Cook University fax: 61 77 251570 Townsville Q. 4811 email: andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au Australia From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Thu Feb 5 08:23:53 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 08:23:53 -0500 (EST) Subject: Biodiversity Year Message-ID: Forwarded message of relevance to coral research: --------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 22:51:42 EST From: C Subject: Scientists call for biodiversity year URL: http:// www-leland.stanford.edu/dept/news/release/980130iboyadvan.html TOP SCIENTISTS CHALLENGE COLLEAGUES TO JOIN BIODIVERSITY YEAR (1/98) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1/30/98 CONTACT: Janet Basu, Stanford News Service 650) 723-7582; e-mail basu at stanford.edu Colleen S. Adam, DIVERSITAS, Paris: 33-1-45684054 e-mail diversitas at unesco.org SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT REPORTERS: Preview of symposium slated for 9 a.m. Friday, Feb 13, at AAAS annual meeting in Philadelphia Human activities now dominate the natural systems of the planet, according to Stanford ecologist Harold Mooney. "In a very real sense, we cannot escape responsibility for managing our impact on those systems. It's time for scientists to take stock of what we know, and what we need to learn, so society can act on that responsibility." That is why Mooney and four other internationally prominent scientists are calling on their colleagues worldwide to join forces in a one- to two-year assessment of the state of biodiversity on Earth. On Friday, Feb. 13, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Philadelphia, the five including two past presidents of AAAS will introduce plans for the International Biodiversity Observation Year, to begin in 2001. "We're asking the world's best scientists to take a year or two to put their minds to this problem: How can biodiversity science be elevated to the forefront of the scientific agenda?" said Mooney, who is professor of biological sciences at Stanford and secretary-general of the International Council of Scientific Unions. Mooney is co-organizer of the AAAS symposium with population ecologist Jos Sarukhn, professor and former rector of UNAM, the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Sarukhn, currently a visiting professor at the Center for Conservation Biology and the Center for Latin American Studies at Stanford, is the chair of a committee of scientists who have volunteered to organize the International Biodiversity Observation Year dubbed IBOY. He and Mooney will be joined in the symposium by three other prominent scientists. Microbiologist Rita Colwell is past president of AAAS and current president of the Biotechnology Institute at the University of Maryland; President Clinton recently announced his intention to nominate her as deputy director of the National Science Foundation. AAAS past president Jane Lubchenco, a marine ecologist at Oregon State University, is a member of the National Science Board. Evolutionary biologist Michael J. Donoghue is director of the Harvard University Herbaria. The five are calling on their fellow scientists to join them at AAAS to discuss the program in its planning stages. They will discuss the urgent need to fill in the gaps of information about biodiversity at every level, from the genetic variability of individual species to the workings of ecosystems and to add that to data about how human societies interact with and depend on natural systems. They'll suggest some short-term, intensive international projects that could achieve concrete results during IBOY. Among the projects already proposed for IBOY is a global census of deep-sea organisms, drawn from scientific collections around the world, to make photos and data about sea creatures available to all via the World Wide Web. Another project will launch a world-wide system to watch out for the health of coral reefs: scientists experienced in evaluating coral ecosystems will train scientists in tropical nations to monitor their own local reefs. The project is to be coordinated by DIVERSITAS , a scientific program under the auspices of UNESCO, the International Council of Scientific Unions and other scientific societies. Its mission is to promote research on fundamental aspects of biodiversity, and to relate the results to policies on conservation and sustainable management. "Most nations in world except the U.S. have ratified the 1992 Convention on Biodiversity," Sarukhn said. "The benefit of IBOY to these nations, and to the international organizations working with them on sustainability issues, will be scientific information to help fulfill the provisions of that convention." Sarukhn said that IBOY is inspired by the International Geophysical Year in 1957, when scientists worked together across national and academic boundaries to advance knowledge about the earth, oceans and atmosphere. "Like the IGY, this process will focus on projects amenable to international cooperation in data collection, with room for scientists from developing nations to participate, however modestly. We expect to integrate what is already known and to add new data to advance the state of knowledge about biodiversity and earth's living systems." -30- Reporters' Note: Background information will be available early in February at http://www-leland.stanford.edu/dept/news/release/980204iboybkgrd.html . DIVERSITAS is an international program headquartered in Paris. It was created in 1991 to stimulate Biodiversity Sciences, under the auspices of The International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) and the International Geosphere Biosphere Program (IGBP). DIVERSITAS will maintain a web page to chronicle the progress of the International Biodiversity Observation Year, at http://www.lmcp.jussieu.fr/icsu/DIVERSITAS/ . For more details about the AAAS annual meeting in Philadelphia, see www.aaas.org/. This article is available electronically at http://www.stanford.edu/news/ It also is available electronically on the national Eurekalert! web site http://www.eurekalert.org . By Janet Basu From kyrimb at hotmail.com Fri Feb 6 11:23:05 1998 From: kyrimb at hotmail.com (jean-michel hurtel) Date: Fri, 06 Feb 1998 08:23:05 PST Subject: Fieldwork Message-ID: <19980206162305.3457.qmail@hotmail.com> "Kyrimba", schooner 63 feet, 7 berths, cargo hold , 150 hp, long range. We can take on board scientists, students or anyone needing a boat for fieldwork or lodging in islands or remote areas. We are now in the Caribbean region and plan to go to the south Pacific. Regards J.M.Hurtel M.D. PhD. kyrimb at hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com From tvjred at tlali.iztacala.unam.mx Fri Feb 6 13:21:41 1998 From: tvjred at tlali.iztacala.unam.mx (Tovar Juarez Edgar) Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 12:21:41 -0600 (CST) Subject: Diseases in corals In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Does anyone know E-mail of James Servino or some photogrphs of all diseases in hermatypics corals of the Caribbean sea and Atlantic Ocean. Please direct responses directly to Edgar Tovar at tvjred at tlali.iztacala.unam.mx Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide. Sincerely: Edgar Tovar. From 106064.775 at compuserve.com Fri Feb 6 15:31:31 1998 From: 106064.775 at compuserve.com (Thomas Peschak) Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 15:31:31 -0500 Subject: South African Coral Reefs Message-ID: <199802061532_MC2-323D-EC7B@compuserve.com> Dear Coral List Subscribers I was wondering weather you would be so kind as to help me with the following query. I am trying to get in touch with Scientists and Researchers who have worked or are currently working on the Coral Reefs off Maputaland, Natal, South Africa. If anyone knows the E-mail adresses of such people, I would be most greatfull if you could send them to me at : 106064.775 at compuserve.com. I require this information concerning a Research proposal. Very little can be found in readily available literature and I need to know what work has been carried out and what the future agenda is for that region, so as to avoid duplication of earlier or proposed research. . Thanks for any information in advance Cheers Thomas P. Peschak From kenn at mail.bogo.co.uk Fri Feb 6 15:15:37 1998 From: kenn at mail.bogo.co.uk (K.H. von Kaufmann) Date: Fri, 06 Feb 1998 20:15:37 +0000 Subject: E.Africa floods reef effects: summary of replies so far. Message-ID: <3.0.5.16.19980206201537.37ff73ca@mail.bogo.co.uk> Dear Coral-listers, Here is the information I have received so far on the effects of the floods in East Africa on local reefs. Several people asked for information and I hope it may also be of interest to other list subscribers. Nothing specific on the current floods effects, but am still looking and will get round to reading some of the publications listed at the end. ----------- If you have internet www access, you may want to check the ocean colour page at seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov. There is access to the NASA DAAC center which distributes seawifs data, and you may browse images online for the area of concern. [have looked at this site. V good for ocean imagery, such as phytoplankton seasonal changes. Nothing so far on the EA floods] ------------- I was struck by how silted up the northern reefs are, major influences being the Tana River and the generally north-bound currents. The latter are however reversed during the ?NE monsoon period. There has certainly been argument about the role of silt-laden seasonally south-bound currents onthe Watamu reefs, but I have not seen mention of impacts other than local ones (e.g. Kilifi?) further south than that. -------------- The East African Wildlife Society often has articles on the reefs in their magazine "Swara." The East African Wild Life Society, P.O. Box 20110, Nairobi, KENYA Phone: +254 2748170 Fax: +254 2746868 E-Mail: Eawls at elci.gn.apc.org ------------- I'm a coral biologist working in Mombasa trying to monitor the effects of various stressors on coral reefs. I have recorded a local mortality event at the mouth of a temporary river/stream caused by flooding over a shallow back reef lagoon, and imagine it's a fairly common phenomenon at odd points along the coast. However I haven't seen any large scale impacts, and none where water depths are greater than 30 cm. or so. ------------ Dr. Tim McClanahan responds: .... We have a number of study sites for studying coral, fish, algae, sponges, snails and a few other things in or just outside of the Malindi Marine park as well as many other study sites that might be affected by runoff. So, yes we have a reasonable amount of information on the status of reefs in Kenya and will hopefully be able to determine the effect of these changes on them. I will attach a list of publications of which a few will interest you. Our most recent publication is the one in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology on sediments which summarizes a long-term study. Coral Reef Conservation Project Publications: McClanahan, T.R., Glaesel, H. Rubens, J. & Kiambo, R. 1997. The effects of traditional fisheries management on fisheries yields and the coral-reef ecosystems of southern Kenya. Environmental Conservation 24(2): 105-120 McClanahan, T.R. & Obura, D. 1997. Sedimentation effects on shallow coral communities in Kenya. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 209: 103-122 McClanahan, T.R. 1988. Seasonality in East Africa's coastal waters. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 44: 191-199. McClanahan, T.R. & Muthiga, N.A. 1988. Changes in Kenyan coral reef community structure and function due to exploitation. Hydrobiologia 66: 269-276. POPULAR AND SEMI-POPULAR ARTICLES McClanahan, T.R. 1997. Empty Ark? Swara 20(2): 7. McClanahan, T.R. 1997. Letter from Under the Sea. Wildlife Conservation. 100 (2): 6-7 McClanahan, T.R. 1997. Fish Critical to Coral Reefs. Wildlife Conservation 100 (1): 8 McClanahan, T.R. 1995. The Shell Game. Wildlife Conservation McClanahan, T.R. 1995. Pale Corals. Wildlife Conservation 98(1):10. McClanahan, T.R. 1995. Creation of a Marine Park. Swara 17(6): 18-20. McClanahan, T.R. 1994. Snails' Pace. Sea Frontiers 40(4):46-49. McClanahan, T.R. 1992. Triggerfish: Coral reef keystone predators. Swara 15: 15:16 McClanahan, T.R. 1991. Conservation of Tropical Marine Molluscs. Reef Encounter 9: 12-13. McClanahan, T.R. 1990. Are Conservationists fish bigots? Bioscience (Viewpoint): 40: 2. McClanahan, T.R. 1990. Shell collecting and coral reefs. Swara 13(2):8-9. McClanahan, T.R. & Muthiga, N.A. 1988. Kenya's coastal fisheries. Swara 11(1): 8-9. McClanahan, T.R. 1987. Overfishing and coral reef degradation: a preliminary report from East Africa. Conservation Biology 1(2): 97-99. Technical Reports Obura, D. & McClanahan, T.R. (1994). Status of Malindi Marine Park: Study of the 1991 and 1992 Sabaki River Sediment Discharge on the Park's Coral Community. Coral Reef Conservation Project Report ---------- From nvm100 at york.ac.uk Mon Feb 9 20:09:41 1998 From: nvm100 at york.ac.uk (Nicola Marchesi) Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 17:09:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: MPAs Management Message-ID: Dear All, I'm currently conducting a comparative study of management strategies applied in MPAs. In order to collect fresh and reliable information I prepared a Survey Questionaire for MPA Managers. My intention is to send the Questionaire via E-mail so that respondents can reply to my message, fill it in (takes 20 min) and send it back with no hassle. I thought that posting it here on the list was not appropriate so, if you are involved in marine parks management and you think you have valuable information, please reply to me personally and I'll send you a copy of the Questionaire. Thank you for your help and time ! My E-mail address : nvm100 at york.ac.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mr. Nicola Marchesi B11 Ingram court M.Res. Marine & Coastal Ecology Garrowby way, Heslington & Environmental Management York YO1 5DL University of York Mobile tel 0335 6633182 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From JLAN7796 at uriacc.uri.edu Mon Feb 9 17:31:41 1998 From: JLAN7796 at uriacc.uri.edu (jenn) Date: Mon, 09 Feb 98 17:31:41 EST Subject: No subject Message-ID: <980209.173451.EST.JLAN7796@URIACC.URI.EDU> Hello Everyone! I am doing a presentation on the destruction of coral reefs by cyanide in the Philippines and the Maldives Islands. If anyone knows where I could find some information to get started, I would appreciate that very much. Please email me at: jlan7796 at uriacc.uri.edu with any information that you might have. Thank you, Jennifer Langheld From epcoria at tlali.iztacala.unam.mx Mon Feb 9 17:54:03 1998 From: epcoria at tlali.iztacala.unam.mx (Palacios Coria Eduardo (st)) Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 16:54:03 -0600 (CST) Subject: Use of stony corals Message-ID: Dear coral-listers Does anyone know of any references (photos, papers, books, videos, etc.)on the use of stony corals for building purposes in ancient and recent constructions. Please direct responses directly to Eduardo Palacios Coria at epcoria at tlali.iztacala.unam-mx. Thanks you for any asistance you may be able to provide Sincerely Eduardo Palacios Coria From kat1003 at cus.cam.ac.uk Tue Feb 10 10:35:40 1998 From: kat1003 at cus.cam.ac.uk (K.A. Teleki) Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 15:35:40 +0000 (GMT) Subject: Seeking Expedition Member Message-ID: The Southern Seychelles Atoll Research Programme will undertake a multi - and inter - disciplinary research programme to study the shallow marine and terrestrial environments and environmental history of 4 remote islands in the Southern Seychelles, Indian Ocean, incorporating studies of i) island stratigraphy and topography; ii) shallow marine hydrodynamics and sedimentation; iii) coral reef structure and ecosystem functioning; iv) population dynamics of reef-dwelling fish and turtles; and v) reef invertebrates and bioerosion. The Programme includes training components for local scientists and is focused towards the preparation of scientifically-informed management plans. Our prime focus will be the sea-level platform reef complex of Providence - Cerf and the raised reef island of St. Pierre, with visits to Alphonse Atoll, Southern Amirantes on the outward leg, and Aldabra Atoll on the return leg. If time allows, we may also visit the islands of Farquhar and/or Cosmoledo. These are sites where all team members have a scientific interest and opportunities for inter-disciplinary collaboration; and where the Research Programme can make a significant contribution to scientific knowledge of this region. The following are the primary areas of interest of the scientific programme: 1. Physical geography and island geology 2. Benthic community structure and coral species inventory 3. Coral reef fish community structure and species inventory 4. Reef invertebrates and bioerosion 5. Marine turtles The expedition is due to leave from Mahe Seychelles on 18 MARCH 1998 and return 8 MAY 1998. We currently have 7 members of the scientific team and are seeking ONE MORE MEMBER. This member MUST have extensive field experience and have the scientific background to compliment the physical geography and island geology portion of the programme. As each member is making a financial contribution to the funding of the expedition the member being sought will be required to contribute ?2000 ($3300 USD). This will cover the costs on board the ship BUT does NOT include airfare to the Seychelles, local costs in Mahe and personal equipment. CLOSING DATE: 1200 GMT Friday 20 FEB 1998 All interested persons should please send (email/fax preferred) a one page letter of application and a brief CV (3 page MAX) to: Dr Tom Spencer Cambridge Coastal Research Unit Department of Geography University of Cambridge Downing Place Cambridge CB3 2EN Tel. +44 (0) 1223 333350 Fax +44 (0) 1223 355674 email: ts111 at hermes.cam.ac.uk _______________________________________________________________ Kristian A. Teleki Tel +44 1223 333399 (General) Cambridge Coastal Research Unit +44 1223 339775 (Direct) Department of Geography University of Cambridge Fax +44 1223 355674 Downing Place Cambridge CB2 3EN Email: kat1003 at cus.cam.ac.uk United Kingdom _______________________________________________________________ From Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov Tue Feb 10 16:03:24 1998 From: Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov (Stephanie Bailenson) Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 16:03:24 -0500 Subject: Coral conservation Message-ID: <003CCFC2.1947@commerce.senate.gov> Greetings. I am a Sea Grant Fellow working in the office of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries. We are currently reviewing a bill that passed through the House that targets coral reef conservation. I am writing to invite you to submit to me your questions, comments, or concerns to assist us as we go through the markup and amendment process. Let me know what is good, bad, or missing. You can access the text of the bill (H.R. 2233) directly at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d105:18:./temp/~bds81k::|bss/d 105query.html| I know it is long but it will take you directly to the bill. You can also access legislative history via www.congress.gov and inputting HR2233 in the quick search box. I am particularly interested in comments regarding the definition of a coral reef in Section 3, part 2. You can reply directly to me at Thank you, Stephanie Bailenson From JSprung at compuserve.com Wed Feb 11 10:00:58 1998 From: JSprung at compuserve.com (Julian F. Sprung) Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 10:00:58 -0500 Subject: Message from Internet Message-ID: <199802111001_MC2-32E6-F850@compuserve.com> Jennifer Langheld wrote: Hello Everyone! I am doing a presentation on the destruction of coral reefs by cyanide in the Philippines and the Maldives Islands. If anyone knows where I could find some information to get started, I would appreciate that very much. Please email me at: jlan7796 at uriacc.uri.edu with any information that you might have. Thank you, Jennifer Langheld Dear Jennifer, Are there reports of Cyanide fishing in the Maldives??? I had not heard about it. The Philippines and Indonesia are the main regions where this practice has spread. I am interested in the subject, not just because I think it is a serious problem, which it certainly is, but also because there is an unproved assumption in your inquiry, and in the anecdotal reports of others, that cyanide kills corals. I have a hunch that it does not. However, its widespread use as a fishing method would certainly be harmful to reefs because of the massive fish mortalities cyanide fishing causes, and the ease with which it is used to remove the big fish (and the demand for these fish, live, at insane value to wealthy Asians). The problem is compounded by dynamite fishing and other physically destructive methods employed in the same regions. I recall an article by Dr. Shinn in which he described how Acropora cervicornis inserted into crude oil for extended periods of time was unharmed (though oil with dispersants killed it). The corals were protected by their mucus. I suspect that with cyanide sprayed on them the corals' mucus would provide protection until tidal flushing washed away the poison, which would happen quite rapidly. I have not personally tested this, so my "observations" are from the armchair. However, I received an interesting e-mail message-- posted to this list last June- that seems to confirm my suspicions. I reproduce it for you here: "As you may know, the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, GEF, AusAID, JICA and the Government of Indonesia are formulating a major Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Project in Indonesia and we seekthe cooperation of Coral-List members in providing the technical backstopping for this ambitious undertaking. One of the unresolved areas debated in Indonesia and the Philippines is the extent to which coral reefs can recover from cyanide poisoning associated with illegal fishing for the live fish trade. In a 1986 paper, Peter Rubec noted that researchers in the Philippines were divided on the question of whether squirting sodium cyanide at coral reefs caused their death. "Scleratinian corals reacted by retracting their polyps and exuding a mucoid substance. In a matter of minutes, the polyps came out again positioned in the usual way." "A second dose was given four months after the first. A day after the second application, all corals appeared to have recovered. But when the stations were revisited three months later, all corals in the test quadrats were dead." The results may have been confounded by an outbreak of COTS (Acanthaster sp.). Can anyone explain a mechanism that would allow the corals to survive for four months after the first dose, apparently recover after the second dose, and then appear to have died 3 months later? What have other field or laboratory tests shown in relation to recovery rates following cyanide poisoning?" Peter King Asian Development Bank Manila, Philippines From: Peter N. King To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov Cc: riskmj at mcmail.CIS.McMaster.CA, sbettencourt at worldbank.org Subject: Recovery from cyanide poisoning Considering Mr. King's question, it should be obvious that the coral mortality was from an unrelated causes (perhaps just Acanthaster, but also possibly high water temp, or disease). It is easy to jump to conclusions, i.e. cyanide is a poison, therefore it must kill corals. It may very well do so, but without proper, controlled experiments, it is irresposible to claim that it does. That it is harmful to reefs by virtue of fish removal is something easier to demonstrate. Perhaps you can find the reference info you are looking for by contacting Mr. King. Good luck with your work and beware the temptation to claim you know why corals die! Sincerely, Julian Sprung From Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov Wed Feb 11 12:17:45 1998 From: Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov (Stephanie Bailenson) Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 12:17:45 -0500 Subject: Coral conservation, part 2 Message-ID: <003D1C01.1947@commerce.senate.gov> Some members have told me that they have been unable to access HR 2233 via the long string I sent in my original message. I'd suggest going to http://www.congress.gov and entering HR 2233 in the Quick Search box. This will bring you to the options for this Bill. You can access the text version that was referred to the Senate as well as earlier drafts, amendments, and the House Committee Report. I look forward to hearing from you, Stephanie Bailenson ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Coral conservation Author: Stephanie Bailenson at Commerce-DC Date: 2/10/98 4:03 PM Greetings. I am a Sea Grant Fellow working in the office of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries. We are currently reviewing a bill that passed through the House that targets coral reef conservation. I am writing to invite you to submit to me your questions, comments, or concerns to assist us as we go through the markup and amendment process. Let me know what is good, bad, or missing. You can access the text of the bill (H.R. 2233) directly at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d105:18:./temp/~bds81k::|bss/d 105query.html| I know it is long but it will take you directly to the bill. You can also access legislative history via www.congress.gov and inputting HR2233 in the quick search box. I am particularly interested in comments regarding the definition of a coral reef in Section 3, part 2. You can reply directly to me at Thank you, Stephanie Bailenson From GBUCK at crs.loc.gov Thu Feb 12 10:01:18 1998 From: GBUCK at crs.loc.gov (Gene Buck) Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 10:01:18 -0500 Subject: Coral info for Congress Message-ID: An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: not available Url: http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/coral-list-old/attachments/19980212/0be850a1/attachment.pl From reefkeeper at earthlink.net Thu Feb 12 10:47:44 1998 From: reefkeeper at earthlink.net (Alexander Stone) Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 15:47:44 +0000 Subject: coastal development impacts on reefs Message-ID: <34E319A0.2B@earthlink.net> Dear coral listers: I am looking for information or references on recent (1990-) incidents of direct coastal development impacts on coral reefs (i.e., sedimentation burial, dredging damage, degradation due to chronic siltation, etc). I am also looking for sources of photos that show such impacts. The information and photos will be used in the preparation of a policy paper for distribution to coastal zone management decisionmakers. Any help, no matter how small it may seem, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Alexander Stone ReefKeeper International From KAFF4042 at classic.msn.com Fri Feb 13 03:15:27 1998 From: KAFF4042 at classic.msn.com (BRAD KAFFENBERGER) Date: Fri, 13 Feb 98 08:15:27 UT Subject: spiny lobster Message-ID: I am looking for any information on the conservation of the spiny lobster populations of the caribbean. I am going to be putting on a presentation about the Turks and Caicos Island, in about a month or so, and my main focus will be on their declining lobster populations. Any recent attemps to sustain this problem, or any news on the issu what so ever will be great. Sincerely Yours, Brad Kaffenberger kaff4042 at msn.com From astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov Fri Feb 13 12:07:19 1998 From: astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov (astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov) Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 12:07:19 -0500 Subject: Possible Bleaching -- Great Barrier Reef Message-ID: <199802131707.MAA03290@orbit8i.nesdis.noaa.gov> The following note is being posted at our Hotspot Website at NOAA/NESDIS: http://psbsgi1.nesdis.noaa.gov:8080/PSB/EPS/SST/climohot.html Any information/confirmation would be apprecieated... Al Strong NOTES: February 10, 1998 SSTs have warmed considerably off the eastern coast of Australia during the past few weeks. Our "HotSpot" chart indicates bleaching may have begun in the southernmost region of the Great Barrier Reef. To my knowledge, our SSTs from 1984 have not seen anything quite this warm. Please provide us with information from the field on this unprecedented event. AES From rmurray at infochan.com Sat Feb 14 09:45:13 1998 From: rmurray at infochan.com (Robert Murray) Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 09:45:13 -0500 Subject: FAO: Coral Reef Researchers & Students / Academic Programme Coordinaters Message-ID: <00c301bd3959$a5b950e0$4e6587d0@MyPC.infochan.com> ANY PERSONS INTERESTED IN CONDUCTING TROPICAL MARINE RESEARCH OR PARTICIPATING IN TROPICAL MARINE FIELD COURSES, PLEASE READ ON New research and study opportunities are now available at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory (University of the West Indies). Researchers, university field-course & marine programme co-ordinators, and students of marine biology (undergraduate and postgraduate) are invited to contact us directly to discuss their research interests. Students wishing to add a season/year of fieldwork to their university degree programmes are considered eligible for subsidy. DBML is located on the north coast of Jamaica, immediately adjacent to a classically defined fringing reef to which travel takes less than 10 minutes by boat. This long-established marine research/field station has a large wet laboratory with running seawater, several 'dry' laboratories, a library, a darkroom, workshops, accommodation and catering facilities for up to 60 people, full diving facilities (including mixed gas diving), 8 boats, and a recompression chamber. Research and teaching at DBML, are focused primarily on coral reefs (but also include work on inshore oceanography, fisheries, and terrestrial ecology).......... For much more information about DBML, its research, facilities, rates, and all contact details, view our website: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Discovery_Bay_Marine_Laboratory/ or contact; Laboratory Director - Dr. Michael Haley Principal Scientific Officer - Mr. Peter Gayle Administration - Mrs. June Lawrence Tel. (876) 973 2241 Fax. (876) 973 3091 e-mail: dbml at infochan.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/coral-list-old/attachments/19980214/f7786f86/attachment.html From cnidaria at earthlink.net Sat Feb 14 13:55:01 1998 From: cnidaria at earthlink.net (James M. Cervino) Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 10:55:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: No subject Message-ID: In response to J. Sprung Statement SPRUNG WROTE:I am interested in the subject, not just because I think it is a serious problem, which it certainly is, but also because there is an unproved assumption in your inquiry, and in the anecdotal reports of others, that cyanide kills corals. I have a hunch that it does not. CERVINO: (#1)There is evidence that cyanide does infact kill corals. The GCRA was on assignment in the Philippines, and have documentation of coral heads completely killed by cyanide. We have photos of corals completely killed after exposure to cyanide. The sites were pointed out by EX cyanide fisherman of colonies of Acropora sp. These corals were absent of tissue after the squirting was completed. These colonies had been vacant of tissue and overgrown with algae for 2 years. Reefs off Malaysia (Borneo) were also affected by cyanide back in late 1980s These particular coral colonies have never regained their zooxanthallae after repeated squirts of cyanide within the Acroporid colony, complete tissue degradation and slight dissolving of the Ca skeleton was evident. (#2) Dr. Robert Richmond of the University of Guam should be contacted for video and data showing the impact of cyanide on corals at much lower concentrations than fishermen use. SPRUNG: However, its widespread use as a fishing method would certainly be harmful to reefs because of the massive fish mortalities cyanide fishing causes, and the ease with which it is used to remove the big fish (and the demand for these fish, live, at insane value to wealthy Asians). CERVINO: What is being overlooked here, is that the damage is not just being suffered by the fish, which are indeed suffering high mortalities due to cyanide. The cyanide is clearly taking a toll on the corals as well. Though the mucus cover can protect corals from certain invasive stressors, it is not protective enough to withstand the poisoning effect of cyanide, as we have seen to be dramatically demonstrated by the reefs in islands of the Philippines. We must also identify with the massive destruction of reefs for the importation of corals for the aquarium trade. The GCRA is calling for a complete ban on any importation of corals to the US, due to the threat reefs are under from natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This immoral practice must be stopped and should have been called for during the International Year of The Reef. SPRUNG: One of the unresolved areas debated in Indonesia and the Philippines is the extent to which coral reefs can recover from cyanide poisoning associated with illegal fishing for the live fish trade. In a 1986 paper, Peter Rubec noted that researchers in the Philippines were divided on the question of whether squirting sodium cyanide at coral reefs caused their death. "Scleratinian corals reacted by retracting their polyps and exuding a mucoid substance. In a matter of minutes, the polyps came out again positioned in the usual way." "A second dose was given four months after the first. A day after the second application, all corals appeared to have recovered. CERVINO: WHO WERE THE RESEARCHERS INVOLVED? WERE THEY SCIENTISTS or LAB TECHS?WORKING FOR AQUARIUM TRADE OR DEVELOPERS? Yes, we agree that corals expend energy pumping their epidermal muco-ciliary system when they are removing sediments, or exposed to increased temperatures and pollution. This process is used by the coral to protect itself from natural disturbances. When cyanide is used for the aquarium trade to capture fish, this compounds the negative affects that are happening to the coral, which can lead to coral diseases, or immediate death from the exposure to the cyanide. In response to the stress of cyanide, the coral produces mucus as a defense. This mucus creates a wider surface area on the tops of coral heads. This additional mucus will attract naturally occurring bacteria, which will utilize the coral mucus as an energy source. Those bacteria can cause coral mortalities by producing toxins, eventually leading to anoxia (Mitchell & Chet, 1975, Peters 78 Rublee et al. 80). We also noticed white band disease, red band disease, black band disease, and a new fungal disease affecting the Porites sp. in the Batangas region of the Philippines. Also most of the corals have cyanobacteria colonizing over the coral colonies. SPRUNG: I recall an article by Dr. Shinn in which he described how Acropora cervicornis inserted into crude oil for extended periods of time was unharmed (though oil with dispersants killed it). The corals were protected by their mucus. I suspect that with cyanide sprayed on them the corals' mucus would provide protection until tidal flushing washed away the poison, which would happen quite rapidly. CERVINO:According to J.B.C. Jackson et. al. 1-6-89, Science vol. 243: Subtidal Reefs: "Populations of subtitle sessile organisms were surveyed on six fringing reefs between Isla Margarita and Isla Grande within 1 year before and 4 months after the oil spill. Abundance of most common scleractinian coral genera in depths <3m decreased by 76%; even at 9 to 12 m the drop was 45%. Reductions were less at Isla Margarita and generally absent on the unoiled reefs, except at one site northeast of Portabelo for no apparent reason. This relation between amount of oiling on the six reefs and decrease in coral cover was significant for 0 to 3m. Sublethal effects were also substantial, bleaching, swelling of tissues, mucus production, recently dead corals with loss of tissue, and globs of oil were evident on the surviving corals. In some cases, bleached or dead areas were surrounded by a black halo characteristic of bacterial infection. Both the frequency and size of recently dead lesions on the commonest massive corals increased markedly with the amount of oil at each reef and decreased with water depth. These effects were also species specific. In the case of S. siderea, which suffered most, new partial mortality was still disproportionately common on heavily oiled reefs 1 year after the spill, not to mention the other marine organisms". CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CYANIDE FISHING: According to International Marine Life Alliance, since 1960, more than a million kilograms sodium cyanide-has been used on the reefs in the Philippines to stun and capture ornamental aquarium fish, and now this practice has spread to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The IMA have been implementing safe capture methods (using nets) for obtaining these fish, due to the negative affects it is having on the coral reefs. An IMA paperback is available with photos from regarding the efforts and strategies for safe capture of these fish for the aquarium and restaurant trade in Asia. If we cannot ban the capture of fish from for the aquarium trade, the safe methods of capture must be mandatory. Scientists and local governments must come together to ban the importation of corals for the aquarium trade. Hopefully this can be one of the goals for the International Year of the Ocean! ************************************ James M. Cervino Marine Biologist Global Coral Reef Alliance 124-19 9th ave. College Point New York, N.Y. 11356 Phone/Fax-(718) 539-8155 ************************************ From dbaker at tm.net.my Sat Feb 14 16:32:58 1998 From: dbaker at tm.net.my (DBaker) Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 05:32:58 +0800 Subject: Anti-Fouling & Reef Ecology Message-ID: <34E60D8A.D69@tm.net.my> Hi Coral-L, Can someone summarize the chemical reaction that makes anti-fouling paints effective in detering marine life from attaching to boat hulls - from a small row boat to a super tanker? What types of anti-fouling paints are commonly used? Are there any systems that utilize an electrical discharge field rather than paints? I am also curious as to how this may affect the marine ecology - especially coral reefs. Can marinas & coral reefs "live" together or will the anti-fouling [and ,of course, other waste loads associated] be a toxic problem? I have heard of marinas virtually destroying nearby ecosystems in Europe based on anti-fouling residues. Is this true? If a small boat's anti fouling paint has a toxic effect to its surroundings...then can we imagine the effect that a large cargo ship has? ...Or, an entire harbor full of large ships? Anyone have opinions & data on this syndrome? Don Baker THE REEF PROJECT Borneo From skean1 at mindspring.com Sat Feb 14 20:00:46 1998 From: skean1 at mindspring.com (Sander) Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 01:00:46 +0000 Subject: whale watch Message-ID: <34E63E2E.834B518@mindspring.com> Sorry for cluttering up the system a bit but I thought someone here might be able to advise. I'm looking for a whale watching trip around the 18th Feb in the Bahamas or Carib. A gift for my very significant other. Anyone have any ideas on location? Dom Rep? Dominica? Grenadines? Dive ops a plus. If I'm out of line with this request please let me know. I'm new at this and still don't know all of the protocols. Thanks, peace, Sander From emueller at mote.org Mon Feb 16 10:31:55 1998 From: emueller at mote.org (Erich Mueller) Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 07:31:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: Pigeon Key courses Message-ID: Apologies for any cross-postings. Second Circular - Note March 20 application deadline. 1998 Advanced Courses in Tropical Marines Sciences Mote Marine Laboratory's Pigeon Key Marine Research Center 16-23 August, 1998 The following courses are offered for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Working professionals desiring to gain current information in these topic areas are also encouraged to apply. The courses take a hands-on approach and address current issues in the respective fields. Each course will be limited to 12 students. **************************************************************************** Reproduction and Recruitment in Tropical Marine Fishes Jonathan M. Shenker, Ph.D., Florida Institute of Technology Description: This course will address topics ranging from reproductive behavior and physiology to a "larva-eye" view of the pelagic environment to broad ocean-wide processes that affect recruitment. There will be focus on characterizing various processes as possible "bottlenecks" in the population dynamics of fish species, and the implication of these bottlenecks for fisheries management. Both general principles as well as details specific to the Florida Keys will be discussed. Larval and juvenile fishes will be sampled from pelagic habitats for taxonomic analysis, behavior observations and measurements of growth rates, including age/growth estimation through otolith analysis. Fish behavior in the field will also be observed. Experiments will be conducted to quantify nightly recruitment levels at artificial reefs deployed near Pigeon Key. Student teams will coordinate collection of different data sets for presentation at end of class. Prerequisites: College level biology courses are required. Courses in vertebrate zoology, fisheries biology, developmental biology, ecology, physical oceanography and general marine sciences will be helpful. SCUBA optional. Course cost: $750.00 *************************************************************************** Diseases of Corals and Other Reef Organisms Esther C. Peters, Ph.D., Tetra Tech, Inc. Description: During the last two decades, the potential for severe impacts to coral reef populations and communities from the effects of various diseases has been recognized. Diseases have been described affecting corals, fish, coralline algae, and sea urchins, sometimes with wide-ranging effects. This course will introduce students to the field of pathobiology of marine organisms. The focus of lectures, dives and laboratory sessions will be on diseases affecting hard corals, but information will also be presented on diseases of other reef organisms.Methods of studying diseases will include collection of field monitoring data and physiological, histological and microbiological techniques. The course will provide students with a state-of-the-art overview of reef pathobiology, experience with relevant techniques, and an understanding of the need for a multidisciplinary approach to its study. Prerequisites: College level biology courses and SCUBA certification are required. Courses in invertebrate zoology, microbiology, ecology, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, histology or marine sciences will be helpful. Course cost: $800.00. ************************************************************************** Credit The PKMRC is not offering credit through any institution. However, the PKMRC and instructors will work with the students' institutions to provide credit if possible (through directed studies, research courses, etc.). The student, or institutional representative, should then let the instructor know what requirements are necessary. For example, credit-seeking students may have to write a paper or take an exam. This approach allows us to keep our costs down and eliminate any potential dificulties with transfer of credit. Costs The course fee includes all course materials, accommodations (in the newly-restored, historic dormitory), all meals (dinner, 8/16 through breakfast on 8/23), SCUBA costs and weights. Participants should provide mask, fins and snorkel and, if diving, their own regulator, BCD and weight belt. Use of SCUBA equipment requires completion of additional forms, medical clearance and acceptance by the Mote Marine Laboratory Diving Safety Officer. Key Dates 20 March, 1998 - Application receipt deadline. 3 April, 1998 - Acceptance packets mailed out. 1 May, 1998 - Deposits due. 12 June, 1998 - Last day to request refunds. 31 July, 1998 - Balance and dive forms due. 16 August, 1998 - Courses start. For more information and application materials, contact: <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Erich Mueller, Ph.D., Director Phone: (305) 289-4282 Mote Marine Laboratory FAX: (305) 289-9664 Pigeon Key Marine Research Center Email: emueller at mote.org P.O. Box 500895 Marathon, FL 33050 Web pages: http://www.mote.org/~emueller/pkmrc.html http://www.mote.org Remarks are personal opinion and do not reflect institutional policy unless so indicated. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From ewood at globalnet.co.uk Mon Feb 16 17:41:21 1998 From: ewood at globalnet.co.uk (Dr Elizabeth Wood) Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 22:41:21 GMT Subject: Marine aquarium fisheries Message-ID: <199802162241.WAA09909@sand.global.net.uk> Dear coral listers, I am in the process of finalising a report on the Marine Aquarium Industry for a Global Overview of the Status of Coral Reef Fishes being prepared by the IUCN SSC Coral Reef Specialist Group. I would like to quote as many up-to-date sources of information as possible, and at this stage am particularly seeking unpublised reports and on-going research dealing with management and monitoring. It would also be particulary useful to hear about aquarium fisheries that have opened up - or closed down - in the last year or so. If you have any information that you consider would be relevant for this report please get in touch with me directly. Thanks, Liz Wood Dr Elizabeth Wood, Marine Conservation Society, Hollybush, Chequers Lane, Eversely, Hook, Hants RG27 ONY, UK Fax + 44 (0)1189 731832 Tel + 44 (0)1189 734127 E-mail: ewood at globalnet.co.uk From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Tue Feb 17 04:45:50 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 04:45:50 -0500 (EST) Subject: your mail In-Reply-To: Message-ID: In response to recent enquiries, please see below from the Coral-List Welcome Message, and following further reminder. > ...Appropriate subjects for discussion might > include: > > o coral bleaching events > o outbreaks of coral diseases > o high predation on coral reefs > o environmental monitoring sites > o incidences of coral spawnings > o shipwrecks on reefs > o international meetings and symposia > o funding opportunities > o marine sanctuary news > o new coral-related publications > o announcements of college courses in coral reef ecology > o coral health initiatives > o new and historical data availability > o controversial topics in coral reef ecology > o recent reports on coral research ...or anything else related to preserving coral reef ecosystems, including new coral-related Web Page announcements. The marbio, and other listservers, may be more appropriate for other topics. Please make comments as succinct as possible, post your messages in plain ASCII (not attached word processing documents, not HTML code), no advertisements for commercial (or personal) purposes, and be nice! Thank you for your continued support of coral-list. From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Tue Feb 17 07:22:48 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 07:22:48 -0500 (EST) Subject: Coral reef rehabilitation Message-ID: Forwarded message: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From: reefprj at tm.net.my Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 17:00:22 -0800 Organization: THE REEF PROJECT Subject: Coral reef rehabilitation Hello everyone, My name is Wilson Alex and I am currently doing my research degree here in Malaysia. My research encompassing coral reef rehabilitation that focus on the zooxanthellae that live in corals and the giant clams. Many (researcher) believed that the presence of giant clam in reef area enhanced the vitality of coral larvae. These, I suppose is true as giant clam is a "true farmers" of the symbiotic algae and release excess of it to the water surrounding. Maruyama (1997) studied the number of zooxanthellae in the feces of giant clam which he assessed contained free living zooxanthellae. The source of the zooxanthellae in the water surrounding may as well comes from other cnidarians. But I believe that this is true on pristine reef condition. How about degraded reef area where all supply of zooxanthellae to the water column is cut off if you will. So, by stocking this bivalves in the reef area, the clam may supply these algae to that area...and who knows, that event may bring back coral population to the degraded reef; a new vistas in coral reef rehabilitation. Is anybody out there been doing this research or similar to it? I received "green light" from the University Malaysia Sabah to do this research. I am now attached to "The Reef Project" a center for coral reef and giant clam rehabilitation in Sabah Malaysia. I welcome any comment...Thank you From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 18 10:56:05 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 10:56:05 -0500 (EST) Subject: Postdoc Position - Marine Reserve Theory Message-ID: Please respond to granthab at bcc.orst.edu: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brian Grantham , on 2/17/1998 1:51 PM: To: POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Post-Doctoral Position National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis University of California at Santa Barbara The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) invites applications for a postdoctoral position for the project entitled "Developing the Theory of Marine Reserves." Under the leadership of Jane Lubchenco, Steve Palumbi, and Steve Gaines, this project will focus on developing the theoretical basis for the design and implementation of marine reserves. The postdoctoral researcher's activities will include collecting and summarizing existing data on marine reserves, providing support for the working group, and participating in the development of theory, models, and experimental design protocols for marine reserves. A considerable amount of demographic and/or genetic modeling and computer programming is anticipated. The successful applicant will reside at NCEAS for 18 months as a member of this working group. The estimated start date for this position is April 1, 1998. Review of applications will begin March 1, 1998. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in ecology or a closely- related field and have a strong background in ecological or genetic modeling. The position is open to persons with experience in any ecological system (terrestrial, freshwater, etc.), but experience in marine ecology and oceanography would be an asset. Prospective applicants should obtain a copy of the project proposal from the NCEAS Web site at http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/fmt/doc?/ nceas-web/projects/97LUBCH1. Applicants will send a letter of application which explains his/her interest in the project, a CV, and the names (with email addresses) of three referees. Applications should have Marine Reserves as the subject field and should be directed to postapp at nceas.ucsb.edu or by mail to: Frank Davis, Deputy Director National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis 735 State Street, Suite 300 Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3351 The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. _______________________________________________________ Forwarded by: Brian Grantham Department of Zoology Cordley 3029 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 Email: granthab at bcc.orst.edu From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 18 10:52:43 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 10:52:43 -0500 (EST) Subject: Coral reef rehabilitation (fwd) Message-ID: Forwarded message: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 16:53:20 -0500 From: Harry McCarty To: Coral Health and Monitoring Program Subject: Re: Coral reef rehabilitation Dear Wilson, The first thing you need to be aware of is that all "zooxanthellae" are not the same! Has anyone found that the ones that inhabit clam tissues can also infect coral gastrodermal cells? Also, note that symbiotic algae from one species of coral might not be able to infect another coral species. Robert Trench and Robert Rowan have written some recent papers on this topic. I hope you will carefully check out the literature first. Symbiotic algae from clam feces might serve as nutrient sources for other organisms, that could be important on reefs. One thing the clams might do is, by filtering the water, reduce turbidity and increase light penetration, making the area more hospitable to coral larvae that settle on the reef and thus have a far better chance of surviving and growing (this has been found with oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes of the United States). I'm not sure what you meant by "degraded reef area where all supply of zooxanthellae to the water column is cut off if you will" - do you mean that there will be fewer corals in the area that might release symbiotic algae? Good luck in your studies! Esther Peters From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 18 10:53:57 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 10:53:57 -0500 (EST) Subject: Coral reef rehabilitation (fwd) Message-ID: Forwarded message...please respond to list or to A. Baird: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 09:30:31 From: Andrew Baird To: Coral Health and Monitoring Program Subject: Re: Coral reef rehabilitation Dear Wilson regarding the central hypothesis of your work, ie that coral larval vitality is improved by the presence of clams by increased availability of zoox in the water column.. It is generally accepted that non-zooxznthellate coral larvae do not pick up zoox. until after settlement. There is only one non-zooxznthellate species, Fungia scutaria, which has been demonstrated to collect larvae while in the plankton ( Krupp 1983 Coral Reefs 2:159-164), though this is an obvious area for future research. Nonetheless, the increased availability of zoox may increase the survivorship of coral recruits. Again this might be an interesting area for you to examine.. >Forwarded message: > > >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > >From: reefprj at tm.net.my >Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 17:00:22 -0800 >Organization: THE REEF PROJECT >Subject: Coral reef rehabilitation > >Hello everyone, > >My name is Wilson Alex and I am currently doing my research degree here in >Malaysia. My research encompassing coral reef rehabilitation that focus >on the zooxanthellae that live in corals and the giant clams. Many >(researcher) believed that the presence of giant clam in reef area >enhanced the vitality of coral larvae. These, I suppose is true as giant >clam is a "true farmers" of the symbiotic algae and release excess of it >to the water surrounding. Maruyama (1997) studied the number of >zooxanthellae in the feces of giant clam which he assessed contained free >living zooxanthellae. > >The source of the zooxanthellae in the water surrounding may as well comes >from other cnidarians. But I believe that this is true on pristine reef >condition. How about degraded reef area where all supply of zooxanthellae >to the water column is cut off if you will. So, by stocking this bivalves >in the reef area, the clam may supply these algae to that area...and who >knows, that event may bring back coral population to the degraded reef; a >new vistas in coral reef rehabilitation. Is anybody out there been doing >this research or similar to it? > >I received "green light" from the University Malaysia Sabah to do this >research. I am now attached to "The Reef Project" a center for coral reef >and giant clam rehabilitation in Sabah Malaysia. I welcome any >comment...Thank you > > > Andrew Baird work: 61 77 814802 Dept. Marine Biology home: 61 77 712379 James Cook University fax: 61 77 251570 Townsville Q. 4811 email: andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au Australia From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 18 10:47:42 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 10:47:42 -0500 (EST) Subject: Other listservers Message-ID: Although it hasn't been updated in quite awhile, there is a list of other listservers at: http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/lists/many_lists.html This includes listservers for general marine biology, marine mammals, fish, seagrasses, sharks, etc. An internet search from your Web browser might show more recent additions to the master lists, above. (If you find any new ones, let me know, and I'll update the master list.) Hope this helps... From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 18 10:58:35 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 10:58:35 -0500 (EST) Subject: Expedition Science Staff Opportunities Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: CCC Science Coordinator Expedition Science Staff Opportunities Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) is seeking volunteer expedition science staff to manage tropical coastal marine survey programmes in Belize, the Philippines and Indonesia. CCC recruits teams of self-financing, international volunteers to assist with surveys of tropical marine ecosystems, utilising validated methods designed by CCC for data acquisition, assimilation and synthesis in support of coastal resource management. ? Science Officer The primary responsibilities of the Science Officer (SO) are to train CCC Volunteers and local counterparts in marine life identification, survey techniques and other supporting skills, and to coordinate and report upon all field survey programmes. The SO is fully briefed and trained by a more experienced member of staff and has regular contact with CCC's UK-based Science Coordinator. The SO position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience teaching plus the organisation and management of varied research projects. The position of SO is a voluntary, non-salaried post and candidates are required to spend a minimum of three months working on a CCC expedition. Food, accommodation and basic maintenance costs are covered by CCC but SO's are usually required to cover thei r own flight and insurance costs. SO's who are able to commit for longer than four months will be considered for the position of Project Scientist. The Project Scientist position is contracted for six months and involves the same duties as an SO but addi tionally incorporates data entry and analysis. The Project Scientist may be given the opportunity to spent time away from the expedition base, becoming further involved in data analysis and report writing. All Project Scientists will be considered for fin ancial assistance for flight costs. Minimum qualifications: ? Post-graduate degree in marine of biological sciences. Candidates must have proven experience in coral reef research. ? PADI Advanced Open Water Diver qualification (or equivalent). ? Preference will be given to candidates with: ? teaching experience; ? certification in power boat operation; ? good organisational and liaison skills. ? Assistant Science Officer CCC also has opportunities for Assistant Science Officers (ASO's) on all expeditions. The ASO position is open to those applicants with a relevant BSc. degree and some fieldwork experience. The ASO is under the direct supervision of the SO or Project Scie ntist and involves some teaching, survey planning and data entry. The ASO may also be asked to coordinate the survey work on satellite expedition bases. ASO's must cover the costs of their own flights and insurance. Vacancies: SO and ASO positions are available in Belize and the Indo-Pacific throughout 1998 and beyond. Applications: Please send a full CV (including the names and addresses of at least two referees) and covering letter to: Alastair Harborne CCC Science Coordinator 154 Clapham Park Road London, SW4 7DE, UK. Tel: 44-(0)171-498-6248 Fax: 44-(0)171-498-8447 email: ccc at coralcay.demon.co.uk From sos at aloha.net Thu Feb 19 12:44:44 1998 From: sos at aloha.net (Carl Stepath) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 07:44:44 -1000 Subject: Save Our Seas Message-ID: Please send this notice of our upcoming celebration to your friends and other interested parties: We would like you to consider working with Save Our Seas?. We are planning a celebration of the United Nations sponsored International Year of the Ocean in June of 1998. The Mission of the conference is: To create a model educational forum for the open exchange of ideas, to promote conservation of our oceans through community and corporate partnership, and to increase awareness through active participation in preserving our world's greatest resource - the ocean. We are already well into the planning stage of our 1998 Oceans Conference which will take place on the Island of Maui June 11-14, 1998, to coincide with Oceans Day and the global celebration of the International Year of the Ocean. At this time we do need financial and volunteer support for the event. The areas that we need help are in promotion, administration, fund raising, video equipment acquisition, facilities coordination, film selection, graphic arts design and public relations. If you are not able to help with our celebration, consider organizing something for the International Year of the Ocean in your own area. It is time to start giving back to the ocean and practicing stewardship. Please check the website http://planet-hawaii.com/sos/coc98_article.html for more information about this upcoming event. The other programs we promote are the creation of underwater marine parks, the "Ocean Pulse" coral reef monitoring project for young adults (middle and high school students), and community education through workshops and videos for community access TV stations. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these projects. More information can be obtained about our organization at the website http://planet-hawaii.com/sos/. The main theme for 1998 is to create underwater marine parks, and to tie these into Hawaiian Ahupua'as. Over 100 years ago, John Muir, the Father of the American National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club, sought and found in wilderness the source of humanity's spiritual health and wholeness. From this source came his vision for the establishment of a national park system which would promote environmental education and protect our natural resources for future generations. Today, John Muir's legacy is a priceless and irreplaceable series of national parks which include Yosemite, Mt. Ranier, The Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon National Parks. Without Muir's vision, we would be a country devoid of the natural wonders that sustain our spirit, nurture our connection to the planet, and inspire our reverence for creation. But what about the last wilderness, our Living Oceans? What have we done to create a similar park system for the seas that sustain all life on our planet? According to Dr. Sylvia Earle, author of SEA OF CHANGE, the United States has only set aside ten (10) national marine parks. Even in Hawaii, the Ocean State, with the recent approval of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the grand total is now a pitiful eleven (11)! Maybe a marine, wetland, or water park would be a great addition to your community. The "Ocean Pulse" project has been on going since 1995, and is an experiential education program that introduces young students to science. The "Ocean Pulse" coral reef project educates the public about coral reef ecology, promotes community involvement in and awareness of the protection and health of nearby reefs, introduces students to science education through the living laboratory surrounding their own island, and promotes island stewardship and husbandry. By making this on-going interactive study available we educate people about coral reef monitoring procedures. Our goal is to establish a global network of informed and empowered "reefkeepers" to insure the well-being of coral reefs worldwide for future generations, while empowering the local communities to continue their own coral reef monitoring. Check with your local schools and see if they would like to have more experiential education in their science classes. Community education is key to working to protect our oceans and the future of our natural resources. Our organization has committed itself to producing educational videos that will bridge the gap between the scientific community and the community at large. The decisions are being made at the community level, and the people making policy need to be informed about global as well as local issues. Save Our Seas has been making education videos for television since 1996, and feels that it is an excellent way to reach people who would otherwise never have the opportunity to learn some of these facts and concepts. You can help by getting these educational videos on the community access TV station in your area. Save Our Seas is continuing to plan a summit in celebration of the International Year of the Ocean, 1998. It seems that Hawaii is the perfect place in the United States for such and event, since it is the Ocean State. A number of government agencies and NGO's are co-sponsoring or participating in the conference. We invited Vice President Gore to attend and have received a positive (though tentative) response from him. Logistically, the Conference is well on its way, but we do need help, especially with funding. We are open to input about this ocean celebration concept, as we are looking for a proactive way to introduce ocean husbandry ideas to the general public. Please contact us by mail at P.O. Box 1437, Paia, HI 96779, by telephone at (808) 579-6282, by fax at (808) 579-6283, or by email at sos at aloha.net and let us know if you are interested in working with any of these programs. Thank you, and remember that you can do some of this same work in your own community. Have a great 1998, the International Year of the Ocean - Carl :) http://planet-hawaii.com/sos/ Carl M. Stepath, Executive Director "Save Our Seas" P.O. Box 1437, Paia, HI 96779 USA 808-579-6282, fax 579-6283 "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply. They're either speaking or preparing to speak.'" Stephen R. Covey From astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov Thu Feb 19 13:43:52 1998 From: astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov (astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 13:43:52 -0500 Subject: Galapagos -- Bleaching In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <199802191843.NAA25634@orbit8i.nesdis.noaa.gov> SSTs [satellite] show 30 deg C water around Galapagos in our latest chart!! This is nearly 2 degrees warmer than the waters that promoted the initial bleaching reports there in mid-December. AE Strong **** <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ***** Alan E. Strong Phys Scientist/Oceanographer Adj Assoc Res Professor NOAA/NESDIS/ORA/ORAD -- E/RA3 US Naval Academy NOAA Science Center -- RM 711W Oceanography Department 5200 Auth Road Annapolis, MD 21402 Camp Springs, MD 20746 410-293-6550 Alan.E.Strong at noaa.gov 301-763-8102 x170 FAX: 301-763-8108 http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/orad From reefkeeper at earthlink.net Thu Feb 19 10:04:30 1998 From: reefkeeper at earthlink.net (Alexander Stone) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 15:04:30 +0000 Subject: looking for Dr. Norman J. Quinn Message-ID: <34EC49FE.6A4B@earthlink.net> Dear Coral Listers: Can anyone give me contact info for Dr. Norman J. Quinn, late of the University of the Virgin Islands? Please respond to reefkeeper at earthlink.net. Thanks! Alexander Stone ReefKeeper International From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Fri Feb 20 09:56:39 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 09:56:39 -0500 (EST) Subject: Fungia scutaria is not azooxanthellate (fwd) Message-ID: Forwarded message: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 11:17:48 +0800 From: BWH Reply-To: Bugwotro at upandang.wasantara.net.id To: Coral Health and Monitoring Program Cc: andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au Subject: Fungia scutaria is not azooxanthellate Regarding message of A. Baird: Dear Andrew, Fungia scutaria, although free-living, is a zooxanthellate coral. Specimens of this species are commonly found on shallow reef flats and upper reef slopes, where they are usually exposed to much turbulence and light (Veron 1986, Hoeksema 1989, 1990). References: Hoeksema, B.W., 1989. Taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of mushroom corals (Scleractinia: Fungiidae). - Zool. Verh. Leiden 254: 1-295. Hoeksema, B.W., 1990. Systematics and ecology of mushroom corals (Scleractinia: Fungiidae). PhD-thesis University of Leiden, pp 1-471. Veron, J.E.N., 1986. Corals of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Angus & Robertson Publishers, North Ryde, NSW, Australia, pp i-xii, 1-644. Bert Hoeksema Program Buginesia WOTRO-UNHAS PO Box 1624 Ujung Pandang 90016 Indonesia Tel/fax: +62.411.442123 E-mail: Bugwotro@ Coral Health and Monitoring Program wrote: > > Forwarded message...please respond to list or to A. Baird: > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 09:30:31 > From: Andrew Baird > To: Coral Health and Monitoring Program > Subject: Re: Coral reef rehabilitation > > Dear Wilson > > regarding the central hypothesis of your work, ie that coral larval > vitality is improved by the presence of clams by increased availability of > zoox in the water column.. > > It is generally accepted that non-zooxznthellate coral larvae do not pick > up zoox. until after settlement. There is only one non-zooxznthellate > species, Fungia scutaria, which has been demonstrated to collect larvae > while in the plankton ( Krupp 1983 Coral Reefs 2:159-164), though this is > an obvious area for future research. Nonetheless, the increased > availability of zoox may increase the survivorship of coral recruits. Again > this might be an interesting area for you to examine.. > > Andrew Baird work: 61 77 814802 > Dept. Marine Biology home: 61 77 712379 > James Cook University fax: 61 77 251570 > Townsville Q. 4811 email: andrew.baird at jcu.edu.au > Australia From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Fri Feb 20 10:05:45 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 10:05:45 -0500 (EST) Subject: Symposium Message-ID: Forwarded message: To: coral-list From: Gilbert Camoin Subject: SYMPOSIUM 1999 Dear collegaues, These few words to inform you about the organization of an international Symposium in Aix-en-Provence, France, in september 1999 and entitled "Paleoceanology of Reefs and Carbonate Platforms:=20 Miocene to Modern" (PRCP '99).=20 Informations and registration form available at http://www.cerege.fr email address : prcp at cerege.fr=20 camoin at cerege.fr dullo at geomar.de -------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Symposium on Paleoceanology of Reefs and Carbonate Platforms:=20 Miocene to Modern (PRCP '99) Sponsored by the International Association of Sedimentologists and the International Society for Reef Studies 27-30 September 1999=20 Aix-en-Provence, France Convenors : G.F. CAMOIN, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France W.-Chr. DULLO, GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany. Scientific committee : G.F. CAMOIN, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France. A. DROXLER, Rice University, USA. W.-Chr. DULLO, GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany. P. FLOOD, University of New England, Australia. W. HANTORO, RDCG, Indonesia. M. PICHON, EPHE - Perpignan, France. A. STRASSER, Universit=E9 de Fribourg, Switzerland Location of the Symposium : The Symposium will be held in Aix-en-Provence which has a long university tradition and which now hosts the CEREGE, the new Centre Europ=E9en de Recherche et d'Enseignement de G=E9osciences de l'Environnement (Universit=E9 Aix-Marseille III, CNRS, ORSTOM). Scientific themes : * EFFECTS OF PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC AND CLIMATIC CHANGES IN THE EVOLUTION OF REEF AND CARBONATE PLATFORM BIOTA * PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY CONDITIONS OF REEFS AND CARBONATE PLATFORM =46ORMATION : TROPICAL VS COOL WATER CARBONATE SYSTEMS * CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF RAPID SEA LEVEL CHANGES ON REEFS AND CARBONATE PLATFORMS * PALEOCLIMATIC AND PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC SIGNALS IN REEF ORGANISMS * CYCLICITY AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY IN CARBONATE SYSTEMS AND QUANTITATIVE MODELING * IMPACT OF RECENT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ON REEFS * THE CARBON BUDGET IN REEFS AND CARBONATE PLATFORMS: SINKS AND SOURCES. * HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF CENOZOIC REEFS AND CARBONATE PLATFORMS Informations and registration form available at: http://www.cerege.fr email address : prcp at cerege.fr or camoin at cerege.fr ------------------------------------------------------------------- <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dr Gilbert F. CAMOIN =46R 6094-UMR 6536 du CNRS CEREGE, Europole de l'Arbois, BP 80 F-13545 Aix-en-Provence cedex 4 tel: + 33-4-42-97-15-14 fax: + 33-4-42-97-15-49 + 33-4-42-97-15-40 email: camoin at cerege.fr web/ http://www.cerege.fr From SVIL1826 at uriacc.uri.edu Fri Feb 20 14:12:04 1998 From: SVIL1826 at uriacc.uri.edu (Stephen Vilnit) Date: Fri, 20 Feb 98 14:12:04 EST Subject: No subject Message-ID: <980220.141524.EST.SVIL1826@URIACC.URI.EDU> Stephen Vilnit University of Rhode Island svil1826 at uriacc.uri.edu I'm currently working on a project involving the use of Marine Sanctuaries in the preservation of a coral ecosystem. I've gotten a fair amount of data from Montego Bay, however, I was wondering if any of you might know of any other successful/unsuccessful marine parks. If you know of any could you please e-mail me, I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you From osha at pobox.com Mon Feb 23 08:14:23 1998 From: osha at pobox.com (Osha Gray Davidson) Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 07:14:23 -0600 Subject: Bolca fishes and coral spawning Message-ID: <2.2.32.19980223131423.00676710@soli.inav.net> Apologies for cross-listings: I've read a few theories about what killed the "Bolca fishes," the wonderfully preserved Eocene fossils near Bolca, Italy. The generally accepted theory seems to be that a massive algae bloom did them in (though it's just one theory). With recent knowledge of mass coral spawning, and the possibility that giant gamete slicks can, under certain conditions, result in the death of life below, has anyone looked into the possibility that THIS is what killed the Bolca fishes? If this were the case, would there be evidence in the fossil record? I'd like to hear from anyone with thoughts (or better still, research) on this. Thanks, Osha Osha Gray Davidson 14 S. Governor St. Iowa City, IA 52240 USA +++++++++++ PH: (319) 338-4778 FAX: (319) 338-8606 e-mail: osha at pobox.com Scholar Affiliate, International Programs, University of Iowa From JSprung at compuserve.com Tue Feb 24 00:01:42 1998 From: JSprung at compuserve.com (Julian F. Sprung) Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 00:01:42 -0500 Subject: Bolca fishes and coral spawning Message-ID: <199802240002_MC2-3478-13A0@compuserve.com> Hmmm, If the fish were killed by an event that suffocated them it seems they would have rotted and therefore not been preserved. Doesn't it seem more likely that a major seismic tragedy simply drained the water away suddenly, leaving them in mud which rapidly dried and thus preserved them? I saw the fascinating article in Coral Reefs. I know little about the Bolca fishes other than that they were so well preserved that even skin patterns are visible. This makes me feel certain that they were dried. Leave a dead fish in water and you have mush and bones in a few days unless the water is sterilized. I don't suppose that there was a Clorox or formalin reserve in the vicinity of this region. Julian Sprung From mbm4 at mail.duke.edu Tue Feb 24 10:21:29 1998 From: mbm4 at mail.duke.edu (Mike Mascia) Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 10:21:29 -0500 (EST) Subject: Duke Marine Conservation Program Message-ID: Duke University Integrated Marine Conservation Program The Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Laboratory at Duke University is offering an unparalleled educational opportunity from July 13 to August 14, 1998. Duke's Integrated Marine Conservation Program teaches the principles necessary for the conservation and preservation of the coastal and oceanic environment. The focus is on interdisciplinary problem solving--using natural and social science theory to resolve real world environmental problems. The Duke summer faculty will be joined by distinguished scholars from around the country for this intensive five week program. Visiting faculty include: Tundi Agardy, Conservation International; Jim Carlton, Williams College; Paul Dayton, Scripps Institute of Oceanography; and Elliott Norse, Marine Conservation Biology Institute. Participants in the Integrated Marine Conservation Program usually enroll in the program's 'core' course (Conservation Biology and Policy) and one of five elective courses offered concurrently. Enrollment in any one course is also possible. Scholarships are available, including several earmarked for international students. In order to receive full consideration, applications for general scholarships must be received by March 1. Applications for international student scholarships must be received by April 1. Applications for the Integrated Marine Conservation Program will be accepted until the program is full. For further information, see our web site at http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/mlterm2.html or contact Ms Helen Nearing at hnearing at mail.duke.edu, (919) 504-7502. From dm16 at york.ac.uk Wed Feb 25 05:41:32 1998 From: dm16 at york.ac.uk (D Medio) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 10:41:32 +0000 (GMT) Subject: Galapagos -- Bleaching In-Reply-To: <199802191843.NAA25634@orbit8i.nesdis.noaa.gov> Message-ID: Just a quick note on coral bleaching. Apart from a few sporadic events in the northern Red Sea in 1995, 1996 and 1997, I have recently witnessed some severe mortality, possibly due to bleaching, in the southern Red Sea along the Yemen coast. During the months of March, April and May temperature readings taken showed some consistently warmer values than typically expected. Any real satellite data anyone. (Dr) David Medio Tropical Marine Research Unit University of York York YO1 5DD From dbaker at tm.net.my Wed Feb 25 05:17:32 1998 From: dbaker at tm.net.my (DBaker) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 18:17:32 +0800 Subject: Many Thanks for All the Replies Message-ID: <34F3EFBB.4933@tm.net.my> Hello Coral-L'ers, Just a Warm "Many Thanks" for all your replies with regards to the Anti-Fouling Paint issue. Just a side note........ I have been wondering Why my giant clam induced spawning efforts show Very Little egg spawn and Much sperm spawn...? Efforts in the Marshall Is. showed an equal share of both with Tridacn maxima & T. giags & T. squamosa. Of course Wau Is. in Mili Atoll poses as a Most pristine setting. My facility in Sabah is situated on Gaya Is. off the city of Kota Kinabalu and near the main harbor/port..... Interesting if we could use giant clam seed shell in tox-studies for coral reef eco-management - for such paints? Many thanks to all. Don Baker THE REEF PROJECT From coral at aoml.noaa.gov Wed Feb 25 07:57:44 1998 From: coral at aoml.noaa.gov (Coral Health and Monitoring Program) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 07:57:44 -0500 (EST) Subject: zooxanthellae (fwd) Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: reefprj at tm.net.my Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 15:39:42 -0800 Organization: THE REEF PROJECT To: coral-list Subject: zooxanthellae Hello coral -listings, I came across information regarding hermatypic corals that need to be "innoculated" with zooxanthellae. I do know that coral get infected with zooxanthellae in may ways. One is that it is passed from its parent; in the larva or in the eggs. At the same time, some adult corals release their egss and larva without the presence of the algae, thus need to be infected from the water column. Finally some coral larvae will be infected after the settlemnet process. Another , book the I read mentioned that basically, coral with large polyp, produced eggs which zooxanthellae was evidently absence. My problem is that the information did not went further to list out the species of coral larvae/eggs which zooxanthellae is absence. Is anybody out there have this particular information to be shared to me. Wilson From Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov Wed Feb 25 09:22:44 1998 From: Stephanie_Bailenson at commerce.senate.gov (Stephanie Bailenson) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 09:22:44 -0500 Subject: many thanks Message-ID: <00408BF8.1947@commerce.senate.gov> I wanted to thank the many people who have provided comments on H.R. 2233, the Coral Reef Conservation Act. Your insights have been quite valuable as we continue to work towards the passage of this legislation. I will keep the list updated as the bill moves through the legislative process. Thanks again, Stephanie Bailenson U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries stephanie_bailenson at commerce.senate.gov From ch141 at york.ac.uk Wed Feb 25 19:13:24 1998 From: ch141 at york.ac.uk (Hsieh Chia-i) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 16:13:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: bleaching witness request!!! In-Reply-To: <00408BF8.1947@commerce.senate.gov> Message-ID: Dear coral-health friends, Last summer we received several reports from amatuer dive groups etc. of what sound like extensive coral bleaching events in different parts of the wider Indian Ocean Region including the Red Sea. These were areas from which so far as we know bleaching had not previously been reported. As a result I am planning to circulate dive schools, cruise boats, etc. in the region with a request to report any incidents of possible / probable bleaching that they observe. With the request I hope to provide advice on how to distinguish coral bleaching from other forms of coral mortality. I would very much welcome hearing details from anyone who has witnessed temperature related bleaching within the region in say the last 10 years? (P.S. We have already liased with Alan Strong at NOAA regarding their data). I would also appreciate any comments on what those who have witnessed such bleaching would regard as diagnostic features, distinguishing bleaching from other forms of coral mortality. One difficulty might I think be in distinguishing mortality caused by say 6 month-old bleaching from 6 month-old mortality due to Crown-of-thorns attack? Our thought is to mention the following: a) affects very large areas - scale of kms to 10s of kms b) usually affects the top metre to several metres of the reef c) when new looks blotchy often with variable degree of blanching but tissue still present d) surface of coral skeleton remains intact (i.e. not eroded or broken) e) often affects all the individuals of particular species in a depth zone, but not other species f) small branching coral species such as Acropora, Pocillopora most susceptible g) massive corals principally affected on upper surface(s) h) if bleaching leads to mortality corals subsequently become patchily or extensively overgrown by algal turf / filamentous algae i) no large numbers of Crown-of-thorns observed anywhere even though very large areas of dead coral present j) patches of fresh bleaching not sharp-edged or with other characteristic features of Crown-of-thorns scars to save disturbing others you may please respond to me directly at ch141 at york.ac.uk with grateful thanks for your time, Sincerely, Joyce Chia-I Hsieh Tropical Marine Research Unit, Biology Department, University of York, YORK YO1 5DD e-mail ch141 at york.ac.uk fax 00-44-1904-432860 From rainforest at mail.org Wed Feb 25 17:33:22 1998 From: rainforest at mail.org (Mike Nolan) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 17:33:22 -0500 Subject: OUTSTANDING/INEXPENSIVE RAINFOREST/MARINE BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS Message-ID: <34F49C32.4C2F@mail.org> OUTSTANDING/INEXPENSIVE RAINFOREST/MARINE BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS -COSTA RICA/BELIZE/ECUADOR- *EXPERT BIOLOGISTS and GUIDES* *TWO WEEKS IN LENGTH* *HIGH IN QUALITY/LOW IN COST* *SUPPORT A VARIETY OF TROPICAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS* RAINFOREST AND MARINE BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS SUMMER 1998 The Rainforest Conservation Fund, Inc. (non-profit) has organized high quality/low cost Rainforest and Marine Biology Workshops in Belize, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Each is approximately two weeks in length and hosted by highly respected non-profit organizations in each country. During our Workshops you will spend most of your time in the field with local guides and biologists studying rainforest ecology, wildlife, biodiversity, medicinal uses of native plants, natural history, rainforest conservation, land management, local cultures, archaeology, geology and much more . One week of our Belize Workshop is devoted to Marine Biology and Reef Ecology. Accommodations range from comfortable dormitories to simple cabins. During our Belize and Costa Rica Workshops groups will camp for short periods. Food is plentiful and typical of those found in Latin America, including chicken, rice, beans, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, eggs and bread. Meatless alternatives are offered to vegetarians. Individual meals will be provided on all field excursions. Your participation in these valuable experiences helps support a variety of rainforest conservation projects in Latin America. We suggest that schools add our Workshops to their summer curriculum offerings, so that students get credit for attending. Graduate credits in education are available to teachers for attending. Our Workshops have been designed to create a better understanding of the many complex issues surrounding the conservation of precious tropical resources. You will return home enlightened and hopefully even more committed to conservation, not only in the tropics, but in your part of the world as well. In the following you will find brief descriptions of our Rainforest and Marine Biology Workshops in Belize, Costa Rica and Ecuador: BELIZE: RAINFOREST ECOLOGY/MARINE BIOLOGY/MAYAN ARCHAEOLOGY LENGTH: 14 days/13 nights COST: $865.00 Our Belize Workshop is hosted by Possum Point Biological Station and their experienced staff of biologists and guides. Located in a beautiful jungle setting along the Sittee River, near the coast of central Belize, the Biological Station consists of comfortable cottage-style housing, a large dining hall and classroom. Possum Point offers easy access to lowland tropical forests, a variety of rainforest communities, vast coastal mangrove and lagoon environments. The area is teeming with wildlife including parrots, toucans, howler monkeys, coatimundis, anteaters, peccaries, jungle cats, numerous amphibian and reptile species. Workshop participants arrive at Belize City's International airport, followed by a short charter flight south to Dangriga, where Possum Point staff will meet and transfer your group to the Biological Station. Activities during the first week include guided trips to a variety of riverine ecosystems in hopes of spotting iguanas, crocodiles and boa constrictors; visits to local Creole and Garifuna communities, where participants can interact with residents and learn about their unique cultures, medicinal uses of local plants and sample some of their ethnic food; travel to nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the world's only Jaguar Preserve, where the group will study rainforest ecology and camp. Other planned activities include night hikes to observe nocturnal animals; evening insect observation studies using blacklights and guest speakers that will discuss a variety of topics including Mayan archaeology, Belizean history, conservation vs. economics in a developing country and conflicts between ecology and Belize's citrus industry. During the second week, the focus will change to Marine Biology as the group travels by skiff to Wee Wee Caye (WWC), a small mangrove island located ten miles off the coast of Belize. WWC has a Marine Lab equipped with running seawater tables used to study collected specimens and accommodations similar to those at Possum Point. The pristine waters around the island support a variety of marine ecosystems-tide pools, turtlegrass beds, patch reefs, mangroves and sand-cones fringed with huge sponges and gorgonians. Participants will be taught how to snorkel and have daily opportunities to explore these various habitats. The Barrier Reef, largest in the Western Hemisphere, lies a short distance to the east and will also be investigated. The variety of marine life found here is incredible-colorful sponges, countless species of coral, tunicates, anemones, starfish, spectacular fish and dolphins. On the last day of the Workshop your group will return to Sittee River and travel, by bus, along the beautiful Hummingbird Highway to Belize City. The trip back includes stops at Inland Blue Hole National Park and the very unique Belize Zoo. COSTA RICA: RAINFOREST ECOLOGY/GEOLOGY/CONSERVATION LENGTH: 12 days/11 nights COST: $845.00 Our Costa Rica Workshop begins with your arrival in San Jos? and transfer, by bus, to Las Juntas de Abangares. Here, your group will be welcomed by the mayor of Abangares as Distinguished Guests of Costa Rica. Workshop participants will study rainforest ecology, conservation, land management and geology. Accommodations will be dormitory-style at Las Juntas. Your group will visit the Quaker community of Monteverde and surrounding Cloud Forest Reserve. Characterized by cool climate and lush vegetation, Monteverde is home to three species of monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, kinkajous, the spectacular resplendent quetzal, red-eyed tree frogs, and blue morpho butterflies. Included in your visit to Monteverde will be a tour of the Butterfly Garden, a local butterfly breeding project, the Hummingbird Gallery and a presentation about the adjacent International Children's Rainforest Reserve. There will be numerous guided hikes in both Reserves. The group will also visit the nearby village of Santa Elena to discuss conservation and reforestation projects with members of the community. While in Costa Rica, the group will travel to Arenal Volcano, the most active in the Western Hemisphere. Here, you will be led on a special evening hike to observe the volcano, where on clear nights, red-hot molten lava can be seen as it shoots hundreds of feet into the sky. This will be followed by camping near Lake Arenal. The group will then travel to Palo Verde National Park, located along the Tempisque River. Palo Verde is made up of a variety of wetland habitats and tropical dry forest. It is known for having one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America, including the jabiru stork. Your visit to Palo Verde will include a boat trip down the Tempisque to observe crocodiles, large iguanas, howler monkeys and a wide variety of birds. This will be followed by travel to Santa Rosa National Park, located in northwestern Costa Rica. Santa Rosa protects the largest remaining stand of tropical dry forest in Central America and coastal nesting sites of the endangered Pacific olive Ridley's sea turtle. Other planned activities during the Workshop include a guided tour of a coffee plantation; travel to a nearby cattle and dairy ranch, followed by an afternoon of horseback riding; a tour of the Abangares Gold Mines, where "coligalleros" extract gold for making jewelry; mist netting of bats; a guided night hike in the rainforest and evening presentations on a variety of topics including the medicinal uses of rainforest plants; sustainable uses of rainforests; reforestation projects and Costa Rican/Central American history. ECUADOR: RAINFOREST ECOLOGY/QUICHUA INDIAN VILLAGE LENGTH: 14 days/13 nights COST: option 1-$750.00/option 2-$800.00* Our Ecuador Workshop takes place at Jatun Sacha Biological Station, which is located along the Napo River. The first two days will be spent in Quito visiting the National Herbarium and Vivarium, where rainforest plants are identified and stored. Here, talks will be given on the history and geology of Ecuador and the Jatun Sacha Foundation's conservation efforts. This will be followed with a spectacular eight hour bus ride to the Biological Station. Your route will take you up and across the continental divide of the Andes, at an elevation of 13,000 feet, and then down into the upper Amazon basin. Several stops will be made along the way to experience and discuss the numerous life zones, including alpine and cloud forest ecosystems. At Jatun Sacha participants will study insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds, along with many plant species, including epiphytes, bromeliads and orchids. The region in and around Jatun Sacha is considered by many as the most biologically diverse in the world as 520 bird species, 750 different kinds of butterflies and more than 100 species of orchids have been observed. Your group will also learn about rainforest ecology; take part in a reforestation project; have a "solo" experience in the rainforest and learn about the medicinal uses of rainforest plants from a local Shaman. The latter will include a visit to the Shaman's home and nursery, where many of these herbal remedies are grown. A highlight in Ecuador will be your hike to the local Quichua Indian Village of Capirona. Here, participants will live for two days and observe how the Quichua live in harmony with the rainforest. Indian guides, using interpreters, will explain how they hunt, fish and garden. Your stay will include evening story telling, listening to Indian music made with primitive instruments and sampling local food. There will also be an opportunity to make pottery and take part in a blow-gun demonstration. Participants will return to Jatun Sacha by dugout canoe. At the end of the Workshop your group will return to Quito along a different route, farther to the south, and travel through the famous "avenue of the volcanoes". Here spectacular canyon scenery, waterfalls and rivers will be seen, along with stops at several villages to acquaint participants with Indian life in the highlands of Ecuador. *Both Workshops are the same in content. Groups choosing Option 1 will stay at Jatun Sacha Biological Station, where accommodations consist of rustic cabins, new cafeteria/classroom and a small library. Option 2 participants will stay at Caba?as Ali?aui, located a short distance from the Biological Station, where accommodations include cabins, each with a private bath. Meals are served in a small dining room, with the entire Ali?aui complex situated on a bluff overlooking the R?o Napo. TEACHERS BRINGING A GROUP TRAVEL FREE GRADUATE CREDITS IN EDUCATION ARE AVAILABLE TO TEACHERS FOR ATTENDING Number Workshops by order of preference with #1 being your first choice. Spaces are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Please be aware that Workshops are popular and may fill quickly. It is recommended that you register as early as possible. BELIZE: 14 D/13 N JUN 15-28_____ JUL 10-23**_____ AUG 1-14_____ COSTA RICA: 12 D/11 N JUN 17-28_____ JUL 15-26**_____ AUG 3-14_____ ECUADOR-1: 14 D/13 N JUN 15-28_____ JUL 15-28**_____ AUG 2-15_____ ECUADOR-2: 14 D/13N JUN 15-28_____ JUL 15-28**_____ AUG 2-15_____ NOTE: ? Workshop costs INCLUDE all food, lodging, transportation within host country, guides and instruction. ? Workshop costs DO NOT INCLUDE international airfare. The Rainforest Conservation Fund has worked closely with the airlines to offer airfares at discounted rates. Costs will vary depending on your point of origin. ? It is highly recommended that each participant be covered by COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE, which covers not only medical conditions that may arise, but also trip cancellation, delay, damage, loss or theft of baggage, etc. Insurance can be purchased at a very reasonable rates through the Rainforest Conservation Fund. ? All groups must be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 21 years of age. ? COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM and $100.00 DEPOSIT due: April 1, 1998 (checks should made out to the Rainforest Conservation Fund, Inc.) ? REMAINING BALANCE due: June 15, 1998 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILED WORKSHOP ITINERARIES OR ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. **************************************************************** Rainforest Conservation Fund, Inc. 501 (c)(3) non-profit 29 Prospect NE Suite #8 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 USA Phone: (616) 776-5928/Fax: (616) 776-5931 E-mail: rainforest at mail.org **************************************************************** From pauger at erols.com Thu Feb 26 12:10:07 1998 From: pauger at erols.com (Paul Auger) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 12:10:07 -0500 Subject: Announcement Message-ID: <34F5A1EF.907EAF7@erols.com> Hello, My name is Paul Auger, and I am student at St. Mary's College of Md. I am currently involved in research dealing with marine aquaculture filtration systems. I would like to announce my homepage to anyone who might be interested. The address is: http://www.smcm.edu/users/plauger Thank You, Paul Auger From tpaige at uclink4.berkeley.edu Thu Feb 26 16:20:51 1998 From: tpaige at uclink4.berkeley.edu (Tegan Churcher) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 13:20:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: Coral diseases Message-ID: <199802262120.NAA01013@uclink4.berkeley.edu> Hi Coral Listers, I am a Ph.D student at U.C. Berkeley's Dept. of Geography currently putting together a dissertation proposal on the biogeography of coral reef diseases. I was wondering if anyone has come across documentation or evidence in the historic record of coral diseases prior to the industrial revolution? If you have any information on this topic please contact me. Thanks for your time. Cheers, Ms. Tegan Churcher Dept. of Geography 501 McCone Hall U.C. Berkeley, Ca 94720 tpaige at uclink4.berkeley.edu From jpowell at btl.net Fri Feb 27 16:00:30 1998 From: jpowell at btl.net (James A. Powell) Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 15:00:30 -0600 Subject: Contact Dr. Bright References: <2.2.32.19980223131423.00676710@soli.inav.net> Message-ID: <34F7296E.FB7E8F87@btl.net> We are trying to contact Dr. Tom Bright. If anyone knows his whereabouts or how to contact him I would be very grateful for that information. I apologize for the posted message but it is rather important. Thank you, James Powell -- James A. Powell Glover's Reef Marine Research Station Wildlife Conservation Society P.O. Box 2310 Belize City, Belize Tel./Fax 501-233855 Middle Cay tel: 501-522153 E-mail: jpowell at btl.net