Significant outbreaks of viruses may be associated with coral reef bleaching events, especially as a result of multiple environmental stresses including rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. A recent study at Oregon State University has documented a virus outbreak, including a…
Lots of things can kill corals, suicide is not one of them
Over the years I have been asked a lot of questions by hobbyists regarding their corals and their tanks. Of these queries, the single most frequently asked question is” Why are my corals dying or why did this coral die?”…
The Phoenix Effect gives us reason to be hopeful about wild corals
On any given day it is easy to come across news of how the ocean is in danger, coral reefs are dying, and the sky is generally falling in regards to the outlook for corals on this planet. That is…
Turbinaria heronensis – an incredible story of coral comeback
I’ve been personally fascinated with Turbinaria heronensis ever since the first time I saw one in a book, but never could I have believed that I would ever get my hands on a whole colony of this fantastic species. Looking more…
New study finds that biodiversity doesn’t always equal resiliency
A recent study suggests that corals with greater diversity of symbiodinium (aka zooxanthellae) are more sensitive to environmental changes than corals with fewer variety of symbiodinium. Published by the Royal Society Biological Sciences, the research breaks down the corals as…
Coral bleaching video tells you everything there is to know about zukes (Zoox)
Here is a fun little animated video which tells the amusing story of how corals live and what happens when reef ecosystems suffer from coral bleaching. If you have kids who are always asking questions about your reef tank, now…
Algae linked to chemical warfare vs. coral reefs
The growing list of things damaging coral reefs just got longer as a new study in Fiji has found some seaweeds actually produce chemicals that cause coral bleaching and suppresses photosynthesis. This could lead to more discoveries of similar seaweed…
Reef Safe sunscreen uses unique biodegradable formula to help limit damage to reefs
Reef Safe SunCare has developed a biodegradble and more environmentally friendly sunscreen and has earned the approval of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. The Florida-based company Beach Buff that owns the brand is hoping to increase the public awareness of…
Rising ocean temperatures is making some coral populations move to cooler reefs
In addition to coral bleaching events, increases in ocean temperatures are having another affect on reef building corals, with populations of some species migrating away from the equator. A new study found corals around Japan shifting north to waters thought…
What do Bill Maher and Dr. Terry Gosliner have in common?
[youtube width=”640″ height=”505″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo5GZKnOazY[/youtube] Opinions on reefs and climate change is what they have in common. Political comedian and talk show host Bill Maher talked about coral reefs on his show this week “Real Time with Bill Maher.” This short clip…