Global warming threatens to wipe out Caribbean coral: report - AFP

Source: Agence France-Presse

Global warming threatens to wipe out Caribbean coral: report

Thu Jun 7, 5:14 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Caribbean coral species essential to the
region's reef ecosystems are at risk of extinction as a result
of climate change, according to a new marine life study released
Thursday.

The report by Conservation International found 10 percent of the
Caribbean's 62 spectacular reef-building corals -- one of the sea's
most spectacular natural resources -- are under threat and
candidates for "critically endangered" designations.

"One of the Atlantic Ocean's most beautiful marine habitats no
longer exists in many places because of dramatic increases in
coral diseases, mostly caused by climate change and warmer
waters," said Dr Michael Smith, director of the Caribbean
Biodiversity Initiative at Conservation International.

A gathering of 23 scientists in March 2007 analyzed data on
tropical corals, seagrasses, mangroves and algae -- all
fundamental components of healthy marine ecosystems.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070607/sc_afp/usenvironmentwarming_070607211432

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Source: Assocated Press

Caribbean's reef-building coral at risk

By DANICA COTO, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jun 7, 10:58 PM ET

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Six species of reef-building coral could
vanish from the Caribbean due to rising temperatures and toxic
runoff from islands' development, according to a study released
Thursday.

Nearly two dozen scientists from U.S. and Caribbean universities,
as well as nonprofits, identified the threatened species while
reviewing studies and scientific data at a March conference in
Dominica.

The species — about 10 percent of the 62 varieties capable of
forming reefs in the region — include staghorn and elkhorn corals,
which were once among the most prominent.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070608/ap_on_sc/caribbean_coral_death