Endangered Caribbean Reefs

[Alex777]

For a truly depressing read, check out "Battling to Save the Reefs" in issue # 132 of the Cayman Observer: http://www.caymanobserver.com/viewarticle.cfm?id=2&Section=Features

Dr. Carrie Manfrino, President of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, is quoted as saying:

"There is not a coral reef ecosystem in the Caribbean that is doing well. We are at a very critical time in the history of coral reefs. It is like working with a sick patient. How well we treat that patient will determine if that patient survives. We could potentially see the end of hard coral reefs in our lifetime."

 

[tstormdiver]

I saw some signs of this last year on a live aboard in the Bahamas. Up around Grand Bahama The reefs were absolutely beautiful, but the closer to & south of Bimini we got, the more unhealthy the reefs looked. The reefs appeared to be over grown with moss & the pelagic life wasn't nearly as thick. Some pretty disappointing diving, but also educational.

 

[diver 85]

If you get to the (North)end of Santa Rosa Wall, the reef looks like part of the white sandy floor(deposits from Wilma)........It looks BAD.......