September/October 2008 E-Current

Dear Friends,

Just a couple of weeks ago, marine scientists doing research on Australia’s Great Barrier and Ningaloo Reefs discovered hundreds of new animal species, including tiny crustaceans, colorful sea slugs, and spectacular soft corals. More biologically diverse than rain forests, our spectacular coral reefs support even more diversity than we imagined.

At the same time, it has also been announced that corals have recently joined frogs and toads as the world’s most endangered species. According to an article in New Scientist (July 10, 2008), more than "one quarter of reef-building coral species already face extinction." The discovery of so many new species at a time when our coral reefs are in such danger drives home the importance of protecting reefs—and the creatures that depend on them—worldwide.

Cheers,
Brian Huse
Executive Director
The Coral Reef Alliance