Free Republic

Scientists agree that coral reefs are in an alarming global state of decline. However, determining the main cause or causes of this decline has proven a much more contentious issue. In the current edition of the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology (JEMBE), Harbor Branch marine scientist Dr.Brian Lapointe and colleagues present new evidence they hope will help settle one major debate: whether pollution or overfishing is the main cause of the coral-smothering spread of seaweed on many reefs. The research suggests that pollution from such sources as sewage and agricultural runoff is the main culprit, a conclusion that...

California Beach Bums By Michael DeAlessi Put two good environmentally smart ideas together - recycling old tires and creating kelp beds, which along with coral reefs are one of the "rainforests of seas" - and what do you get? In California, only litigation and conflict at the hands of the state's own imperious Coastal Commission. California's coastline is one the most gorgeous and dramatic in the world. It is also among the most heavily regulated. The California Coastal Commission controls all 1,150 miles of it. As such, the commission is, as one commentator put, "one of the most powerful and...

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. KEY LARGO, Fla. -- A retired Navy ship is embarking on a second career as an artificial reef, and eager residents of the biggest island in the Florida Keys are anticipating a major boost to the tourism industry as a result. The 510-foot Spiegel Grove was to be loaded with explosives Friday and sunk 130 feet into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, creating the largest artificial reef in the world, marine biologists said. Within an hour after the Spiegel Grove sinks, sailfish will approach the 46-year-old ship and within a...