February 2009 E-Current

E-Current
February 2009

In this Issue: SF Ocean Film Festival [1] • Google Ocean Is Here! [2] • Crocheted Coral Reef [3] • EPA and Ocean Acidification [4]

[5]

Commensal Shrimp on Crinoid (Periclimenes amboinensis)

[6]

visit coral.org [7]| donate [8] [9]

Feature Location: Mexico [10]
Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)
[11] This Christmas tree–shaped tube-dwelling worm photographed in Cozumel, Mexico, is easily recognized by its twin spirals of plumes. Used for passive feeding on suspended food particles, the colorful plumes are also used for respiration. Most of the worm is anchored in a burrow that it bores into a live calcareous coral. Christmas tree worms are sensitive and will quickly retract into the burrow at the slightest disturbance. Typically, they slowly re-emerge a minute later to test the water before fully extending their plumes. Learn more about Mexico » [12]

Help the Reefs Quick Tip [13]
If you’re thinking about making a gift to CORAL—or you’ve already donated—you can double or even triple your donation if your company has a Matching Gift program. Some companies will even match gifts made by retirees and spouses of employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift program, contact the CORAL membership department [14] for a list, or talk to your employer. Request a matching gift form and send it in with your donation—we’ll do the rest!
More on our site » [15]

Coral Reefs in the News [16]

Growing Taste for Reef Fish Sends Their Numbers Sinking [17]
Source: The New York Times

Protect This Jewel in the Indian Ocean’s Crown [18]
Source: The Times Online - UK

Sediment Breeds Sentiment [19]
Source: The Molokai Dispatch

Cave Sponges Crucial to Survival of Coral Reef [20]
Source: Insciences Organisation

Sea Squirts, Coral Reefs and Other New Marine Life Discovered in Tasmanian Waters [21]
Source: AC Associated Content

More News... [22]

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.

Brian Huse

Cheers,

Brian Huse

Brian Huse
Executive Director

[23]Photo Contest Deadline: February 15...Enter Today! » [24]
Enter CORAL’s underwater photography contest for your chance to win a copy of the beautiful photography book, Reef, by Scubazoo.

[25]	Join CORAL at the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival—February 19-22 [26] Now in its sixth year, North America’s premier cinemaquatic event offers a weekend of deep dives into the world’s oceans and the cultures that surround them. CORAL staffers and volunteers will be on hand to talk about our work and raffle off some goodies. Read the story » [27]

[28]	Marine Protected Areas on Google Ocean [29] Google has launched Google Ocean, which lets people "dive beneath the water surface, explore 3D underwater terrain, and browse ocean-related content contributed by marine scientists," a Google statement said. Google Ocean also lets people view marine protected areas around the world with just the click of a mouse. Read the story » [30]

[31]	Crocheted Coral Reef on Exhibit [32] The Institute for Figuring is crocheting a coral reef: a woolly celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and feminine handicraft, and a testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world. Read the story » [33]

[34]	EPA Agrees to Review Ocean Acidification Impacts [35] In response to a petition and threatened litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity—CORAL’s neighbor on the sixth floor—the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to review how ocean acidification should be addressed under the federal Clean Water Act. Read the story » [36]

* Photo Credits and Notes:
Banner Photo: Commensal Shrimp (Periclimenes amboinensis) on Crinoid, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Photographer: Dennis H. Liberson
Left Side Photo: Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus giganteus), Cozumel, Mexico
Photographer: Michael Cowman

Links:
[1] http://www.coral.org/node/4058#story1
[2] http://www.coral.org/node/4058#story2
[3] http://www.coral.org/node/4058#story3
[4] http://www.coral.org/node/4058#story4
[5] http://www.coral.org
[6] http://www.coral.org
[7] http://www.coral.org
[8] https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=22995
[9] http://www.coral.org/%7BVR_F2AF_LINK%7D
[10] http://www.coral.org/where_we_work/caribbean/mexico
[11] http://www.coral.org/where_we_work/caribbean/mexico
[12] http://www.coral.org/where_we_work/caribbean/mexico
[13] http://www.coral.org/what_you_can_do
[14] mailto:info@coral.org
[15] http://www.coral.org/what_you_can_do
[16] http://www.coral.org/news/headlines
[17] http://www.coral.org/node/4053
[18] http://www.coral.org/node/4054
[19] http://www.coral.org/node/4059
[20] http://www.coral.org/node/4062
[21] http://www.coral.org/node/4060
[22] http://www.coral.org/news/from_the_media
[23] http://www.coral.org/resources/photo_contest
[24] http://www.coral.org/resources/photo_contest
[25] http://www.coral.org/node/4055
[26] http://www.coral.org/node/4055
[27] http://www.coral.org/node/4055
[28] http://www.coral.org/node/4056
[29] http://www.coral.org/node/4056
[30] http://www.coral.org/node/4056
[31] http://www.coral.org/node/4057
[32] http://www.coral.org/node/4057
[33] http://www.coral.org/node/4057
[34] http://www.coral.org/node/4061
[35] http://www.coral.org/node/4061
[36] http://www.coral.org/node/4061