December 2008 E-Current

Dear Friends,

As we near the end of International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008, I am buoyed by the success of IYOR's public awareness efforts, as well as the tremendous response of nations worldwide that are working to protect our coral reefs. More than ten years after the first IYOR, we now have the tools and the groundswell of awareness that are necessary to address coral destruction.

But despite our successes this year, we're also facing an unpredictable global economy and some sobering news from the scientific community. Although the consensus at this summer's 11th International Coral Reef Symposium was that well-managed marine protected areas—like the ones CORAL is developing around the world—are the best chance we have to save coral reefs, scientists are now saying that we only have five to seven years to start making the significant changes necessary to slow reef decline.

We need to take bold and immediate steps to protect our reefs—and with your continued support, CORAL will lead the way.

In this final edition of E-Current for 2008, we honor one of our conservation partners in Mexico, discuss the economic value of coral reef ecosystems, share a story from one of our youngest supporters, and promote the re-release of a beautiful coral reef film.

Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Cheers,

Brian Huse
Executive Director

P.S. The deadline to enter CORAL's E-Current Photo Contest is December 15. Enter today!