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February 2010 E-Current

E-Current
February 2010

In this Issue: CORAL in Playa del Carmen • MPAs Help Corals Recover • Take Action for Clean Water • New Protections for Leatherbacks

Featherstars (Comanthina nobilis), Bunken, Indonesia by Tegan Churcher Hoffman

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Feature Location: Honduras
Foureye Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)
The foureye butterflyfish gets its name from a pair of large spots near its tail that resemble eyes. These false eyes are believed to confuse predators about which way the fish will flee and which end of its body to attack. Foureye butterflyfish are known for their agility, and can navigate tricky reef passages by swimming on their sides, or even upside down. They mate for life, and adults are generally found in pairs. This foureye butterfly fish was photographed in Roatan, Honduras. Learn more about our programs in Honduras »

Help the Reefs Quick Tip
Love your reefs! Everyone can help to protect reefs by making simple changes at home to reduce energy use and the consumption of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. Save energy by using compact fluorescent light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances, wrapping your water heater to save heat, and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Go further by asking your utility company to use greener sources of fuel.
More on our site »

Coral Reefs in the News

Coral Triangle Summit to Seek Clearer Path to Sustainability
Source: BusinessWorld Online

Ningaloo Coast Nominated for World Heritage Status
Source: The Australian

Nation's First Marine Debris Action Plan Implemented in Hawaii
Source: NOAA

Coral Reefs Are Evolution Hotspot
Source: BBC News

Seaweeds Claim Large Inshore Areas of Great Barrier Reef
Source: ScienceAlert Australia

More News...

Coral hermit crab (Paguritta sp.) by Paddy Ryan

Breaking News
We're excited to announce that—thanks to support from many of you—we exceeded our $100,000 year-end challenge goal! Final results will be published in the next issue of CORAL Current, but we couldn't wait to share the great news. Thanks to all who contributed!

	CRLN Expands to Playa del Carmen The CORAL Reef Leadership Network (CRLN) in Mexico has been incredibly active in CORAL's project site on the island of Cozumel, providing trainings in sustainable marine recreation to nearly all tour guides operating in the Cozumel Marine Park. Now the CRLN is expanding to the mainland with new Leaders trained to help improve the environmental practices of hotels in Playa del Carmen. Read the story »

	MPAs Help Corals Recover from Bleaching We've seen many studies demonstrating the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) in building the resilience of coral reefs to global threats like climate change, but a new study published in PLoSONE is the first to show that reduced fishing in MPAs can actually help corals to recover from bleaching events. Great news! Read the story »

	Help Pass Clean Water Legislation! Water pollution is one of the leading causes of coral reef degradation, and many pollutants are carried into coral reef waters by rivers that empty into the ocean. A new bill, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act, would fund green projects that are designed to fight water pollution and improve the quality of water flowing into the oceans. Let Congress know that you want to see this bill passed! Learn more and send your letter »

	New Protections for Leatherback Sea Turtles Although endangered leatherback sea turtles nest in tropical coral reef locales, they travel vast distances to their feeding grounds in temperate waters. Research has shown that waters off the West Coast of the United States are an important feeding ground for the species, and federal biologists have recently proposed designating 70,000 square miles of ocean in this region as critical habitat for leatherbacks. Read the story »

* Photo Credits and Notes:
Banner Photo: Feather stars (Comanthina nobilis), Bunaken, Indonesia
Photographer: Tegan Churcher Hoffman
Large Center Photo: Coral hermit crab (Paguritta sp.)
Photographer: Paddy Ryan
Left Side Photo: Foureye Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus), Roatan, Honduras
Photographer: Julie Bennett
Coral Recovery Thumbnail Photo: Corals recover from bleaching in the Maldives
Photographer: Bruno de Giusti

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February 2010 E-Current

Coral Reefs in the News

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