giving coral reefs a future

A heartfelt thanks to all supporters and co-helpers that enabled our get-together!
[pics 1]
Dave Burdick of the governmental Coastal Management Program, gives an overview on Guam's coral reefs and their status. There are more than 200 km² of coral reef, most of them fringing reef. Located relatively close to the high diverse coral triangle, Guam's reefs feature over 350 stony coral species. You may see more at Dave's website, Guam Reef Life. From 50 % in the 1960s, coral cover was reduce to 25 % in the 1990s, mainly caused by chronic crown of thorn (Acanthaster sp.) threats, but also due to the 'usual suspects', such as pollution, erosion, caused by land run off, heavy overfishing, and reduced herbivory.
[pics 2]
Outreach is a big topic today. A team from Pacific News Centre (PNC) Network visits the ongoing workshop to learn more about the work of SECORE and partners at Guam. Dirk Petersen, as well as Laurie Raymundo and Mike McCue give interviews―they are broadcasted tonight at PNC networks. Later in the afternoon, there are public lectures, attended by more people than we have expected. Afterwards, as a kind of reward, a happy hour is offered!
[pics 3]
Early in the morning, some of us sneaked out to look for gravid Acropora humilis and A. surculosa colonies at the coral reef in front of the Marine Lab and to bring them safely back to the wet-lab. To test if a colony is gravid, you may break off a small branch and search for fertile eggs, if present, visible as tiny, rose globules. Despite some surge, we were lucky to get several promising looking colonies for the upcoming spawning nights.
[pics 4]