In the 21st century, coral reefs are at serious
risk of decline if current trends in climate change, coastal
development, and other environmental stressors continue. One
of the biggest problems is coral bleaching, when symbiotic
algae living within the colonial animals are tossed out during
environmental stress, leaving the coral colorless and without
nutrition. If prolonged, bleaching kills coral with drastic
impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and shore
protection. Also, there are coral diseases, which have been
increasing with alarming regularity. Scientists John Rollino,
Dr. Garriet Smith, and Thomas McGrath are in their 14th year
of their search for better understanding of the reefs and
the causes of coral afflictions.
A short overview of the environmental
issues facing the coral reefs of the Bahamas.
Click to play these videos:
Video
2 - Arsen describes various tools used to survey
the coral reefs in the Bahamas.
Facts
about the Bahamas
The Bahamas are slightly smaller than Connecticut.
Tourism directly or indirectly employs half the workforce.
Life expectancy is 66 years old.
Current environmental issues are coral reef decay and
solid waste disposal.
The median age is 27.3.
Population = 299,697
Sounds of the Expedition
Audio 1 - Listen to
a beachside interview with Audley Dean about why the Bahamas
are so great.
