February 2009 E-Current

Dear Friends,

In his second week in office, President Obama signed a presidential memorandum directing federal regulators to set strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions and draw up rules imposing higher fuel-economy standards on cars and light trucks. This sharp reversal of Bush administration policy is a strong sign that our new administration is taking the protection of our planet seriously.

Also last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed to review the impacts of ocean acidification under the Clean Water Act. The EPA will be analyzing the effects of CO2 emissions on water quality—which could result in stricter regulations on pollution. This is positive news for coral reefs, which are negatively impacted by rising acidity in the ocean.

This edition of E-Current features distinct and creative ways to learn more about our oceans, coral reefs, and worldwide efforts to protect them. In mid February, CORAL will be attending the sixth annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival. Look for our table in the lobby and stop by to enter our raffle. Google has launched the ocean feature of Google Earth, which includes a valuable tool for viewing marine protected areas around the world, and the Institute for Figuring is exhibiting its crocheted coral reef in Los Angeles.

Change is in the air, and the plight of coral reefs is more visible than ever. Thank you for continuing to support the work of CORAL and our mission to save the planet’s coral reefs.

Cheers,

Brian Huse
Executive Director