Corals in trouble off Keys: what I saw

[kris walker]

Hi everyone,
Beth started an interesting thread a couple of weeks ago about the "smallpox" disease that was plaguing elkhorn coral off the Keys. I went snorkeling off Key Largo and Key West (not diving), and I must say, I didn't see any elkhorn corals (so can't access the magnitude of the disease). Not to say they don't exist, cause I probably just didn't snorkel the right reefs. But what I can say is I saw a lot of coral bleaching going on. It was a sad sight. I have pics, and will show them soon once I get them developed.
Anyway, I still think there is hope. After all, the dolphins came back after some major governmental attention during the late 80's and 90's in New Jersey.
Cheers,
kris

 

[saltylake]

I am from miami, there are certain areas that need immediate attention from the goverment and must be closed to divers and fishermen for at least five years in my opinion, so that life can come back. Also something needs to be done to the amount od sewage dumped into the ocean of the florida keys... please write to your congressman or senator and voice your opinion. thanks

 

[heavenly damsel]

Read a post not long ago on reef central about the elkhorn coral. Link to an article was given explaining the cause as a common bacteria found in human colons. Sad what we can do to our environment in complete ignorance. The article was very informative.

 

[jonthefb]

I think that the conditions of reefs all around the world are in dire need of some attention. Indonesisa is like a wasteland anymore due to the use of cyanide to catch fish back in the late 80's early 90's and some of which is still occurring today. I think a major effort needs to be made by informed citizens such as ourselves to try and help educate the third world countries who make profits from aquarists by using cyanide or dynamite on the reefs. A major project was undertaken by Amanda Vincent, an expert in seahorse identification, to educate the third world countries on how to "farm" seahorses to maintain healthy wild populations. This is something that i hope to address when i finally get my bio degree, and work towards my masters and doctorate in coral propagation, thanks to this damn hobby!
jon

 

[anthony812]

i think somethine needs to be done because sooner or later our corals reefs will be destroyed and all that beauty that we strive to keep in our tanks will never be seen wild again

 

[steamboat1569]

i remember the the topic that Beth started on this issue, and even replied my concern. I believe that one statement was brought up that it might be too late to do anything about what is happening to the reefs.
I did some looking in to this.
The US had tested nuclear bombs in the coral sea islands. Since the ban on Nuclear weapons testing, the coral reefs have been able to bounce back. I think this says a lot about Mother Nature.
Please do not think it is a lost cause. Let's just do all we can to make the damage stop.
Since the thread that Beth started, I have written 50 letters to 50 members of congress. I am in the process of writing the Legislation, and next to the officials of Florida.
I know that tourism and fishing are probably the 2 major industries in Florida, and is not likely to stop. It will take a major effort to even curb these industries even in the slightest way.
But I am going to try anyway.

 

[kris walker]

IMO, the best angle is just that: killing the reefs will drastically effect the tourist and fishing economy. Real conservation/recovery progress will happen much faster if you tie the problem somehow into the economic fabric of the Keys.
Writing congressmen is on my list of things to do as well. I applaud your efforts, and hope I can make the time to follow your footsteps soon.
kris

 

[steamboat1569]

You are absolutely right Kris. In the long term, the destruction of the reefs will affect the industries negatively.
Problem is, most industries are short sighted when it comes to money. This includes the government as well. They want the money now, and don't care about the long term. The executives are concerned with the NOW, and could care less for the person that takes over when they retire.

 

[saltyrich]

I hardily agree with Kris' opinion. I also hope that longer term vision can prevail.

 

[kris walker]

Yes, I agree. Trying to get them past the whole "now" way of thinking is key. But it shouldn't be too hard. The corals are not looking healthy "now", and I'm sure this information is being shared among the SCUBA diving community. I personally will not focus my diving or snorkeling efforts in the Keys ever again unless I hear things get better. I don't know about the fishing there though. It probably depends on the fish, e.g. snappers more associated with reefs then marlins.
Cheers,
kris