Coral reefs
are the most productive and diverse marine ecosystems in the world, yet drastic
coral declines in the Caribbean region over the last 25 years have threatened
this vital resource.
Next July,
the first full team of teenagers will participate in a Bahamian Reef Survey
project, investigating the impact of environmental changes and disease on coral
biodiversity.
“Working
with teenagers is very rewarding,” said John Rollino, senior ecologist at Earth
Tech, Inc. and principal investigator of the survey. “Through their
participation on the project, we are fortunate to play a part in educating the
next generation of scientists on the challenges facing a unique and
ecologically and economically important ecosystem.”
Researchers
have collected data on the changing coral reef in San Salvador and Bahamas over the last 14 years. Among other things, they have documented the decline of elkhorn and staghorn corals, once the most important reef-building species throughout the Caribbean, by an estimated 90 percent. These corals were listed as “threatened” under the
U.S. Endangered Species Act in June 2006.
Starting in
2007 researchers, including the new teen team, will be looking at the reef’s
diverse fish species and their use of reefs with different coral assemblages.
They will also take on the physical repair of the reefs.
“To borrow
a word from the adolescent vernacular, I and my research staff are “stoked” to
have the opportunity to lead a teenage team in the field this summer,” Rollino said.
“For many of the teens this may be their first time away from home, in a
foreign country. They may be seeing a coral reef up close for the first time. I
believe their experience will be further enhanced knowing that they are
participating in a scientific research project studying the coral reef
ecosystem.”
---LiveScience Staff
Credit: John Rollino/Earthwatch
Institute
