The corals of atolls in island of Kiribati republic are facing danger from something beyond global warming. In Butaritari, a well-known island of Gilberts chain of Kiribati and land area of 13.6 km², the coral reefs are now becoming a victim of algae Eucheuma, introduced by humans for commercial aspects. In Hawaiian Islands, 3 kinds of algae are farmed currently, one of them being Eucheuma which has already destroyed the coral heads of Kaneohe Bay. These algae were brought here during early 70’s by Max Doty, a professor of botany at the University of Hawaii. He developed the techniques of algae cultivation which are now followed by farmers in Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Tonga.

Read the full story »

Rising CO2 levels is just not a nuisance for those living above the seas but for those dwelling underneath oceans as well. So far, the focus is shifted more towards the implication of increased levels of this gas in atmosphere; concerns on Global Warming thus being voiced by Governments and Public alike every other day. But oceanographers have warned that there’s another reason to check our carbon emissions as more carbon dioxide in the air means more of it in our oceans and seas. Most of us don’t realize that oceans are the absorbing-pits of this green house gas. As per an estimate, the world’s oceans have absorbed 40 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by humans in the industrial age. And more and more CO2 in oceans is becoming a threat to Coral reefs - nature’s most lively and intricate architecture. Since the time Earth’s landscape comprised of nothing more than huge primordial soup in hot water bodies, these corals are being formed and today they are important for the healthy survival of other marine flora and fauna.

Read the full story »