August 2011 E-Current

Dear Friends,

Now that I've officially started as Executive Director of the Coral Reef Alliance, I'd like to say how thrilled I am to be joining this organization at such an exciting and important time. CORAL has a strong track record of finding creative and durable solutions to many of the threats that face coral reefs today, and I look forward to building on these past successes in charting our direction for the future.

As a coral reef scientist and a conservationist, I see a twofold challenge for coral reefs. First, on a global scale, rising temperatures and acidifying ocean waters are threatening corals, putting the literal foundation of reefs at risk. Second, nearly all coral reefs are facing local challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and over-visitation by people.

By addressing issues on a local scale, we can make coral reefs more resilient to the global changes that are underway. CORAL's mission is to see that this happens as effectively as possible, to ensure that the future is bright for both the organisms that call the reef home and the people who depend on reefs for their livelihoods and inspiration.

The time for action on coral reefs is now, in this limited window of opportunity when we can fortify reef resilience locally before ongoing global changes intensify further.

I look forward to working with you in the coming years to ensure that this opportunity is fully realized and that coral reefs are on a trajectory to thrive for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Michael Webster, Ph.D.
Executive Director

The Reef Scene Wins! » Thanks to everyone who voted for CORAL's 2012 calendar cover, and congratulations to our three calendar winners—Suzanne, Rod, and Katie! If you weren't lucky enough to win, make sure you'll get your calendar by becoming a member or renewing your membership today.

	CORAL Campaigns to Protect Sharks Did you know that coral reefs need sharks? As top predators, sharks play a key role in maintaining balance and diversity in coral reef ecosystems. Unfortunately, overfishing has led to precipitous declines in shark populations around the world. CORAL is launching new campaigns in Fiji and Indonesia to protect these important and fascinating animals. Read the story »
	Behind the Scenes: Coral Reef CSI on Film Now is your chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at a Coral Reef CSI training! This engaging film by videographer Jon Slayer follows workshop participants as they learn underwater investigation techniques and practice gathering evidence for a mock trial. Will their case stand up in court? Watch the video »
	CORAL Leads Sylvia Earle to Cordelia Banks Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, recently joined a team of scientists, government officials, photojournalists, and conservationists on a week-long expedition to the Swan Islands and Mesoamerican Reef in Honduras. CORAL's Jenny Myton led the expedition to Cordelia Banks, one of our high-priority coral conservation areas, to garner support for its protection. Read the story »