HONOLULU, Hawaii (4 Oct 2002) -- Researchers with the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (NOWRAMP) have found the first evidence of coral bleaching in Hawaii. Scientists who participated in the month-long expedition to the mostly uninhabited islets and atolls of the 1,200 mile long Hawaiian island chain found extensive bleaching in coral reefs at Hermes, Kure, Midway and Pearl atolls. While bleaching was found throughout the northern atolls, the most severe bleaching was found in coral reef habitats exposed to the most intense sunlight, strongest ultraviolet radiation and warmest water. Data relayed from buoys placed throughout the archipelago show unusually high water temperatures over the past few months. Despite finding evidence of widespread bleaching, scientists cautioned against overreacting saying that some bleaching is normal in coral reefs. Still, scientists agree that all of the world's coral reefs are in decline, of which 66 percent are now severely degraded and some 27 percent may be beyond recovery. "Urgent action is needed to prevent coral reefs from becoming extinct," said Cyber Diver Society (CDS) President Evan T. Allard. "Humans – both resident and visitor populations - are now the primary cause of coral reef degradation, and despite opposition from the scuba diving and sport fishing industries, "no-take, no-dive" Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are absolutely necessary to protect reefs from human pressures including pollution, coastal development, tourism, global warming, overfishing and other destructive fishing practices." | | NOW-RAMP divers are conducting Rapid Ecological Assessments (REAs) In December 2000, former President Bill Clinton issued an executive order establishing the Northwestern Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, an 84-million acre marine protected area and the largest ever created in the United States. The relatively pristine Northwestern Hawaiian Islands contain some 70 percent of America's coral reefs, which nurture an extraordinary diversity of marine life including endangered Hawaiian monk seals, turtles, albatrosses and many endemic fish and invertebrate species. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
