In the news this week . . .

A report published this week by the World Resources Initiative has caught the attention of news agencies around the world. Reefs at Risk Revisited (Burke et al, 2011) updates a 1998 report which assessed the main threats to the global coral reef resource. This time the study includes climate related threats, which contribute to the mounting pressures on coral reefs. The report estimates that 75% of coral reefs are currently at high to critical threat levels, a figure that could exceed 90% by 2030.  The Reefs at Risk research initiative aims to advance understanding regarding the spatial distribution of threats to coral reefs worldwide, providing essential information for the development of conservation strategies. 




The Encyclopaedia of Modern Coral Reefs; Structure, Form and Process will be launched today at the James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. The encyclopaedia is an extensive collection of knowledge regarding coral reefs and weighs four kilos! 




A research expedition investigating coral reefs in Semporna, Malaysia has claimed to have found the most biologically diverse coral reef in the world. 43 species of mushroom corals, which act as a proxy for species richness, were identified (the previous record was 40) as well as 844 species of fish. This study indicates the biological wealth of coral reefs and proves that some coral reef ecosystems are still in fantastic condition. Hopefully papers like this will inspire conservation initiatives and help to preserve this globally important marine resource.