Ghostly Reefs

Today I read an interesting article on Dot Earth about the coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Andrew Revkin writes that the reefs are in danger of bleaching and dying off due to rising ocean temperatures. In 2005 the Caribbean had the worst case of coral reef bleaching and disease in its recorded history and scientists are worried that the bleaching will either reach or exceed the levels of bleaching of that horrible year.

Luckily coral reefs don't die off immediately, however, if the ocean temperature continues to rise then the conditions of the coral reefs will not improve. This is one of the many apparent effects of global warming that people can actually see taking place. Scientists are so adamant about saving these reefs because of their delicacy. The reefs are also home to many species and if the reefs die off then so will a wide variety of ocean life.

People who responded to this particular blog on Dot Earth had mixed opinions. Commentor 16 had mentioned that the bleached coral reefs are no big deal since you can't see them up close and therefore does not care. Though they were on topic with the blog their opinion on not caring was not very logical. Even if you can't see something up close the evidence is still apparant and should warrant some concern. Most of the other commentors remained on topic and had logical responses and concerns for the dying reefs. Many commentors were civil and debated the topic with their facts and logics.

The blog post had 138 responders who expressed their skepticisms and concerns about the coral reefs. I'm glad to see that ordinary people take interest in enviromental problems and are willing to voice their opinions on the matters at hand. After all, we can't let the scientists do all the work.

Yum... Nothing Like Mama's Shark Fin Soup!

On the Dot Earth blog, Andrew Revkin mentioned Palau (a Pacific country) has declared its waters a shark refuge. Celebrated by biologists for its marine life diversity, it is also harmed by an increase in illegal fishing of sharks to satisfy the appetites of some Chinese for fins. This is a tragedy not only for these large fish but also for Palau itself, as reef diving is a primary source of income there.

In brief, President Johnson Toribiong of Palau announced to the U.N. General Assembly his idea to ban all commercial shark fishing in his nation. This is supported by Carl Safina (marine biologist), who informed that Palau has actually recovered from reef bleaching – in other words, it is heaven for many aquatic species. But here's the problem with stopping shark fishing there: Palau only has one enforcement vessel to watch a zone nearly the size of Texas. Turning idealism into realism is a challenge indeed.

The issue gets juicier with the comments to the blog entry. Most of the responses were on topic, although some strayed onto that of clearcutting in the Pacific Northwest. Respondent #8 noted that only 5% of America's old growth forest remains, although we do have more forests than it did in previous years due to national parks.

Respondent #1 typed about the gorey photos in the article and is amazed that shark finning has not been made illegal across the globe. He feels shark fishermen should be “thrown in prison and confiscate their boats.” His point is emotional, not logical. Imprisoning shark fishermen is not the solution to the problem. Also, Respondent #5 stated that the Chinese and Japanese lack the desire change their palates due to their culture, and Respondent #7 feels the Chinese should aid in world biodiversity. These two people have logical, sound points, and to a extent civil (I agree with them, believe me). Many sharks are threatened or endangered or are key species in aquatic ecosystems. For these reasons alone they should be protected, as these are based on science.

As environmentalists, it is important that we do not fall off-topic and above all base our opinions on science before emotions. Emotions can always be countered. And remember, old growth forests are irrelevant when speaking of sharks!

(Article available here.)