Florida Aquarium Will Educate Congress Concerning The Plight Of Coral

Leading scientists on aquatic ecosystems will deliver a congressional briefing on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 in room 121 of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.  The briefing will focus on coral health and restoration efforts being addressed by The Florida Aquarium’s Global Coral Research Institute.

The keynote speakers will be:  Dr. Ilze Berzins, PhD, DVM, Vice President of Biological Operations and Veterinarian of The Florida Aquarium, Philippe Cousteau, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Earth Echo, and Dr. Billy Causey, National Marine Sanctuary Program Southeast Regional Superintendent.

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), an honorary co-chair for the briefing, who is actively engaged in issues facing corals, will be in attendance.  Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-11) and Mark Kirk (IL-10) have also been extended invitations and are likely to be in attendance.

 “While corals cover less than one percent of the Earth’s surface, they are home to one quarter of all marine life”, said Dr. Berzins.  “With the loss of naturally growing coral, it is imperative we determine the causes of its destruction, reduce these factors, establish protective measures, as well as develop methods to supplement the loss with new growth such as planting waters with healthy coral fragments.”

“The destruction of our coral reefs is a major threat to not only our precious marine ecosystems, but if it goes unchecked, it will also represent a grave challenge to our very existence,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen.  “I applaud the Florida Aquarium’s Global Coral Research Institute and its partners for being at the forefront of discovering new ways to protect our fragile coral reefs and I look forward to attending their briefing.”

A considerable number of factors contribute to the dangers facing our coral reefs including:  pollution, coastal development, over-fishing, disease, habitat fragmentation, ship groundings and warming waters.  According to recent estimates over 70% of the world’s reefs are threatened, 20% damaged beyond repair and some areas within the Caribbean have lost 80% of their coral species.  The presentation will outline the numerous issues facing our coral reefs and illustrate how healthy corals can be used to rehabilitate damaged reefs.

For more information on the Florida Aquarium’s congressional briefing, please contact Tom Wagner, Public Relations Manager for The Florida Aquarium at (813) 367-4036.