A newly developed genotyping “chip” allows researchers to genetically identify corals and the symbiotic algae that live within the coral’s cells. This new tool is a vital step for establishing and maintaining genetic diversity in reef restoration efforts. A paper…
Acropora palmata, the majestic and endangered elkhorn coral
Acropora palmata, the Elkhorn Coral, is the quintessential Caribbean Coral Reef species. This species was once so abundant that entire regions of the reef were called the ‘Palmata Zone’ and it was important to know where the palmata zones were,…
Meet 6 of the corals that are in danger of becoming illegal
The petition to list over 80 species of stony corals as endangered led to a ruling that 20 of the proposed corals were deemed threatened, and warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. Of those 20 corals, five are Caribbean…
Endangered versus Threatened: Why should you be concerned?
While yesterdays event scared just about everyone in the greater aquatics industry we might come to expect that more often as different petitions make there way around federal bodies that deal with the ESA. A lot of folks think we…
New endangered coral ruling threatens your right to grow corals
In 2012, the NOAA made it known that they were considering listing 66 stony coral species as threatened. After receiving extensive public comments to the tune of 42,000 letters and emails along with another 32,000 emails after extending the comments…
National Marine Fisheries Service extends endangered coral ruling by six months
The American reef aquarium hobby can breathe a little easier today, at least for another 6 months. Having received a deluge of public comments and lots of criticisms from coral researchers and scientists, the National Marine Fisheries Service is extending…
Breaking: NOAA announces the proposal to list 66 stony coral species as endangered or threatened
Just hours ago NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) made public their intention to move forward with the proposal to list 66 species of stony corals under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). You may recall that three years…
