Survey: Weather Changes Threaten Coral Reefs

Title: Survey: Weather Changes Threaten Coral Reefs

Added: Jul 8, 2008

Author: AssociatedPress

Duration: 1:1

Description:
SelectPlusSurvey: Weather Changes Threaten Coral ReefsSurvey: Weather Changes Threaten Coral ReefsThe Associated PressA new government survey says almost half the coral reef ecosystems in U.S. territory are in poor or fair condition, mostly because of rising ocean temperatures. (July 8)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:various NOAA footage of coral reefs throughout]The colors are bright and beautiful...But what's happening to coral reefs in U.S. waters isn't. The reefs discussed in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report serve as breeding grounds for many of the world's seafood species and act as indicators of overall ocean health SOT: Jeanette Waddell, Marine Biologist, NOAA: "coral reefs are in some ways a canary in the coal mine. They are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment."The survey says Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed corals in a sanctuary off the coast of Louisiana. SOT: Waddell: "we lost about half of the remaining live coral cover in the U.S. caribbean in that one even with up to 90% mortality in some areas. And that's a huge loss."The NOAA survey also says almost half the coral reef ecosystems in U.S. territory are in poor or fair condition, mostly because of rising ocean temperatures. SOT: Mark Monaco, NOAA: "we're moving towards water chemistry that is not conducive to building the corals."The authors of the study say it is a "call to action" for coastal states and Caribbean countries. ___ ___, The Associated Press

Channel: News

Tags: coral  reef-threats  survey:  weather  changes  threaten  reefs 

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