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April 2010 E-Current
 E-Current
April 2010 |
In this Issue: Citizen Science Web Portal • CITES Fails on Marine Conservation • Seasick Book Review • Problems with Plastics |
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Feature Location: Fiji
A Cultural Voyage
 CORAL Fiji Field Representative Moala Tokata’a is embarking on a three-month open ocean voyage as a crew member on a traditional double-hulled canoe, the Uto Ni Yalo (“Heart of Souls”). The voyage is organized by the Fiji Islands Voyaging Society, which seeks to revive and sustain knowledge, skills, and customs surrounding traditional Fijian canoe building, sailing, and navigation, as well as to raise awareness about environmental issues. The voyage will travel along ancient Pacific migratory routes, joining vessels from other Pacific Island nations to help strengthen regional cultural links. We are glad to be able to support this effort to rejuvenate traditional Fijian knowledge and draw attention to marine conservation issues. Learn more about our programs in Fiji »
 Help the Reefs Quick Tip
Earth Day, coming up on April 22, may come only once a year, but the actions we take every day impact coral reefs and the marine environment. Making simple changes like reducing your plastic and energy consumption can help to alleviate increasing problems for coral reefs. Think of every day as Earth Day!
More on our site »
Death of Coral Reefs Could Devastate Nations
Source: The Associated Press
Nations Reject Coral Protections at Wildlife Conservation Conference
Source: The Washington Post
Demise of Coral, Salamander Show Impact of Web
Source: ABC News
Endangered Listing Eyed for US Loggerhead Turtles
Source: The Associated Press
Ancient Corals Hold New Hope for Reefs
Source: PhysOrg.com
More News...
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Earth Day Is Almost Here! »
In celebration, make an investment in our planet that will pay dividends: renew your CORAL membership or join today. Your contribution will be put to immediate use protecting coral reefs—and the communities that depend on them—at our project sites around the world. |
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CORAL's Citizen Science Web Portal Launches in Hawaii
CORAL's new community-based Coral Reef Monitoring Data Portal has officially launched in Hawaii, and is now providing a one-stop shop for volunteers to enter data for a variety of community-based monitoring protocols. This new online resource will support ongoing volunteer monitoring efforts while increasing public involvement, awareness, and a sense of stewardship around Hawaii's coral reefs and marine environment. Email monitoring@coral.org if you'd like to get involved! Visit the monitoring portal » |
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CITES Meeting Fails to Protect Marine Species
This year's meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was a major disappointment for marine conservation, with many decisions ignoring good science in favor of short-term economic interests. The meeting failed to provide protections for red and pink corals, bluefin tuna, and numerous shark species. Read the story » |
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Book Review: Cruising for a Bruising
CORAL's Director of Conservation Programs, Rick MacPherson, recently reviewed a new book on ocean ecosystem change for American Scientist. In his thoughtful review, Rick relates how veteran science journalist Alanna Mitchell manages to impart a compelling message of hope despite chronicling the serious threats facing oceans today in her book Seasick: Ocean Change and the Extinction of Life on Earth. Read the review » |
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Problems with Plastics
Plastic debris in the ocean causes myriad problems for marine organisms and ecosystems, killing an estimated 1.5 million marine animals every year. The most famous oceanic collection of plastic debris is in the North Pacific Ocean Gyre, often dubbed the "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch." SEAPLEX researchers took an expedition to the gyre in August, and are now analyzing their samples to learn more about the effects of plastic on marine life. There are actually five major gyres in the world's oceans, and research is needed to determine whether plastic debris collects in all of them. So, how can you help with the problem? For a start, check out the Rise Above Plastics website and PSA, which raise awareness about plastics in the oceans, and watch Annie Leonard's new video, "The Story of Bottled Water." Both resources have information on how to take action.
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* Photo Credits and Notes:
Banner Photo: Large Whip Goby (Bryaninops amplus) on wire coral, West Papua Mar, Indonesia
Photographer: Jeff Yonover
Large Center Photo: Nudibranch (Nembrotha kubaryana), East Timor
Photographer: Nick Hobgood
Left Side Photo: The Uto Ni Yalo, Fiji
Photographer: Colin Philp
CITES Thumbnail Photo: Jewelry made from corals
Photographer: Patty Debenham, Too Precious to Wear Campaign, SeaWeb 2007/Marine Photobank
Plastics Thumbnail Photo: Plastic trash in Belize
Photographer: Chloe Wells/Marine Photobank
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