It’s the International Year Of the Reef this year (IYOR 2008). What does this mean to divers? A lot for some, nothing for others; so we should know what the non-diving general public would think of it.
If you ask me to tell you about our coral reefs, I wouldn’t be able to tell you much; seriously speaking, I know our coral reefs are important to the marine ecosystem, but if you ask me the difference between a Staghorn Coral and a Fire Coral, I would only be able to tell you should I accidentally graze against either, the latter would give me a nasty sting – real nasty.
The reef is important. This is where marine life seek refuge from predators. Reef fish and mollusks feed up to 40 million people a year. Coral are also important in controlling the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean water as coral polyps turn carbon dioxide in the water into limestone shells. Without this process, the level of carbon dioxide in the water would rise dramatically and would affect all living things on Earth.
It also acts as a barrier between our coasts and the harsh tidal conditions, strong currents and waves. And of course, healthy reefs bring in the tourism dollars. You may find it funny but most Americans I have dived with like to watch the Clownfishes, in particular the False-Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – otherwise more commonly known as ‘Nemo’ after the character in the movie of the same name. Why is this so? Because there are no clownfishes in the Carribean, where Americans flock during the summer.
For those divers who dive with me often, stop laughing over this post, okay? Let me sound mellow once in a while. I know I normally dive in depths where not a single coral exists; but I’m just trying to do my part here for IYOR 2008.
:p
SeaDemon Says 