Hello Readers! Did you have a a fun time playing our wordsearch? For those who have not, please look at our previous post for the game. For those who have, here are the answers. Those who have got the correct answers, please reply us here on this blog and we will post up more games for your leisure!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Coral Reef Games
Hello readers! As my friend Keith has said earlier, we will be posting up games. Here is one of them. Please visit this link to enjoy our game!
A Few Fun Games
Welcome back to our blog again, dear reader! Today, we have a nice and interesting Fun Brochure for you to do at your own leisure. Please visit this webiste to upload our Fun Brochure. We hope you enjoy it! Have a fun time!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
National Geographic is In the House!!!!!
Hi everybody! As the title states, we're going to dive into the wonderful world of coral reefs with National Geographic!!!
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/coral.html is the website you want to search for information on coral reefs. It also has tons of information and interactive activities to let you explore for hours and fill you with knowledge...
National Geographic also has lots of newspaper articles on the conservation of coral reefs, mainly what's harming them so you might learn what you have that can harm coral reefs. Here are some of them:
1) Global Warming Has Devastating Effect on Coral Reefs, Study Shows
2) Swimmers' Sunscreen Killing Coral
And Much More for you to discover on your own!!!!
There will be some interesting games coming up in our next post so remember to check it out.
Signing off:
Keith
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Stamp
Hello readers, today you shall relax your eyes with a less 'wordy' piece. It is our 'Save The Coral Reefs' stamp. You are welcome to print this out and remind yourself to conserve marine life and most importantly, coral reefs.
Types of coral reefs
Hello everybody, today we would like to introduce you to several types of coral reefs:
Fringing reef – a reef that is directly attached to a shore or borders it with an intervening shallow channel or lagoon.
Barrier reef – a reef separated from a mainland or island shore by a deep lagoon (see Great Barrier Reef).
Patch reef – an isolated, often circular reef, usually within a lagoon or embayment.
Apron reef – a short reef resembling a fringing reef, but more sloped; extending out and downward from a point or peninsular shore.
Bank reef – a linear or semi-circular in outline, larger than a patch reef.
Ribbon reef – a long, narrow, somewhat winding reef, usually associated with an atoll lagoon.
Atoll reef – a more or less circular or continuous barrier reef extending all the way around a lagoon without a central island.
Table reef – an isolated reef, approaching an atoll type, but without a lagoon.
Dangers to Coral Reefs
" Pollution, overfishing, and overuse have put many of our unique reefs at risk. Their disappearance would destroy the habitat of countless species. It would unravel the web of marine life that holds the potential for new chemicals, new medicines, unlocking new mysteries. It would have a devastating effect on the coastal communities from Cairns to Key West, Florida -- communities whose livelihood depends upon the reefs. " - President Bill Clinton
This quote by President Bill Clinton of the United States is very true. A lot of undiscovered sea creatures lie in those fascinating rainforests of the sea and this will happen to those creatures if coral reefs were totally destroyed:
"BANG!"
We have to preserve the coral reefs, and in order to do that here are 25 ways:
1. Support reef-friendly businesses. Ask what your dive shop, boating store, tour operators, hotel and other coastal businesses are doing to save the coral reefs. This is especially important in coastal areas with reefs. Let them know you are an informed consumer and care about reefs.
2. Don't use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers. Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the watershed and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.
3. Volunteer for a reef cleanup. You don’t live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s treasures while helping to preserve it for future generations.
4. Learn more about coral reefs. How many different species live in reefs? What new medicines have been discovered in reef organisms. Participate in training or educational programs that focus on reef ecology. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the fragility and value of the world’s coral reefs.
5. Become a member of your local aquarium or zoo. Ask what they are doing and what your donation can do toward saving the world’s coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you.
6. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. Ask local authorities or your dive shop hot to protect the reef.
7. Support conservation organizations. Many of them have coral reef programs, and your much-needed monetary support will make a big difference.
8. Spread the word. Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet’s coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Sharing this excitement gets everyone you speak with involved.
9. Be an informed consumer. Consider carefully the coral objects that you buy for your coffee table. Ask the store owner or manager from what country the coral is taken and whether or not that country has a management plan to insure that the harvest was legal and sustainable over time.
10. Don't pollute. Never put garbage or human waste in the water. Don't leave trash on the beach.
11. Recycle. This is the first step each of us can take to make a change. Recycle anything and everything. If your community doesn't have a program, do it anyway, and get one started.
12. Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually finds its way back into our oceans.
13. Report dumping or other illegal activities. Environmental enforcement cannot be everywhere, and your involvement can make a big difference.
14. Keep it clean. You may be in the habit of picking up your own trash. You may even participate in an organized cleanup. But have you considered carrying away the trash that others have left behind?
15. Only buy marine aquarium fish if you know they have been collected in an ecologically sound manner. In some areas, marine fish harvested for the pet trade, are stunned with sodium cyanide so that capturing them is easier.
16. Surf the net! Many different addresses exist to link you to information about coral reefs and what you can do to become involved. A good starting point is at http://www.noaa.gov/public-affairs/coral-reef.html
17. Don't start a liverock aquarium. Although this living rock is still harvested legally in some places, its collection is devastating to the reef organisms habitat.
18. Hire local guides when visiting coral reef ecosystems. Not only do you learn about the local resources, but you will be protecting the future of the reef by supporting a non-consumptive economy around that reef.
19. Don't anchor on the reef. If you go boating near a coral reef, use mooring buoy systems when they are available.
20. If you dive, don't touch! Take only pictures and leave only bubbles! Keep your fins’ gear, and hands away from the coral, as this contact can hurt you and will damage the delicate coral animals. Stay off the bottom because stirred-up sediment can settle on coral and smother it.
21. Participate in the Great American Fish Count. What better way to enjoy your vacation time than snorkeling or diving in America's coral reefs and helping scientists better understand reef fish populations?
22. Volunteer. Volunteer and community coral reef monitoring programs are very important. If you do not live near a coast, get involved in your local save the river (bay, lake, or other estuarine environment) program. Remember, all watersheds affect the oceans and eventually the coral reefs.
23. Support the creation and maintenance of marine parks and reserves. Encourage your friends to get involved with projects to protect special areas.
24. Be a wastewater crusader! Make sure that sewage from your boat, from others' boats, and from land is correctly treated. The nutrients from sewage feed growing algae that can smother and kill corals.
25. Inform yourself. Find out about existing and proposed laws, programs, and projects that could affect the world's coral reefs.
2. Don't use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers. Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the watershed and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.
3. Volunteer for a reef cleanup. You don’t live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s treasures while helping to preserve it for future generations.
4. Learn more about coral reefs. How many different species live in reefs? What new medicines have been discovered in reef organisms. Participate in training or educational programs that focus on reef ecology. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the fragility and value of the world’s coral reefs.
5. Become a member of your local aquarium or zoo. Ask what they are doing and what your donation can do toward saving the world’s coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you.
6. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. Ask local authorities or your dive shop hot to protect the reef.
7. Support conservation organizations. Many of them have coral reef programs, and your much-needed monetary support will make a big difference.
8. Spread the word. Remember your own excitement at learning how important the planet’s coral reefs are to us and the intricate global ecosystem. Sharing this excitement gets everyone you speak with involved.
9. Be an informed consumer. Consider carefully the coral objects that you buy for your coffee table. Ask the store owner or manager from what country the coral is taken and whether or not that country has a management plan to insure that the harvest was legal and sustainable over time.
10. Don't pollute. Never put garbage or human waste in the water. Don't leave trash on the beach.
11. Recycle. This is the first step each of us can take to make a change. Recycle anything and everything. If your community doesn't have a program, do it anyway, and get one started.
12. Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually finds its way back into our oceans.
13. Report dumping or other illegal activities. Environmental enforcement cannot be everywhere, and your involvement can make a big difference.
14. Keep it clean. You may be in the habit of picking up your own trash. You may even participate in an organized cleanup. But have you considered carrying away the trash that others have left behind?
15. Only buy marine aquarium fish if you know they have been collected in an ecologically sound manner. In some areas, marine fish harvested for the pet trade, are stunned with sodium cyanide so that capturing them is easier.
16. Surf the net! Many different addresses exist to link you to information about coral reefs and what you can do to become involved. A good starting point is at http://www.noaa.gov/public-affairs/coral-reef.html
17. Don't start a liverock aquarium. Although this living rock is still harvested legally in some places, its collection is devastating to the reef organisms habitat.
18. Hire local guides when visiting coral reef ecosystems. Not only do you learn about the local resources, but you will be protecting the future of the reef by supporting a non-consumptive economy around that reef.
19. Don't anchor on the reef. If you go boating near a coral reef, use mooring buoy systems when they are available.
20. If you dive, don't touch! Take only pictures and leave only bubbles! Keep your fins’ gear, and hands away from the coral, as this contact can hurt you and will damage the delicate coral animals. Stay off the bottom because stirred-up sediment can settle on coral and smother it.
21. Participate in the Great American Fish Count. What better way to enjoy your vacation time than snorkeling or diving in America's coral reefs and helping scientists better understand reef fish populations?
22. Volunteer. Volunteer and community coral reef monitoring programs are very important. If you do not live near a coast, get involved in your local save the river (bay, lake, or other estuarine environment) program. Remember, all watersheds affect the oceans and eventually the coral reefs.
23. Support the creation and maintenance of marine parks and reserves. Encourage your friends to get involved with projects to protect special areas.
24. Be a wastewater crusader! Make sure that sewage from your boat, from others' boats, and from land is correctly treated. The nutrients from sewage feed growing algae that can smother and kill corals.
25. Inform yourself. Find out about existing and proposed laws, programs, and projects that could affect the world's coral reefs.
Thank You
Our conservation efforts on the beach
During our conservation efforts in East Coast Park on 3 September 2008, we found a visiting family and decided to interview them on their views on conservation of marine life. Here's the scoop!
Reporter 1: May we know what are your views on the conservation of marine life?
Kind Gentlemen: Well, you see, I was just looking for a clean spot on the beach for my children to play with the sand. But it is so dirty I can't find a good spot.
Reporter 1: So you find it very inconvenient?
Kind Gentlemen: Yes.
Reporter 2: If there are any conservation activities, will you take part in them?
Kind Gentlemen: Yes, of course. And I will encourage my children to do so too.
Reporters 1 and 2: Thank you
Reporter 1: May we know what are your views on the conservation of marine life?
Kind Gentlemen: Well, you see, I was just looking for a clean spot on the beach for my children to play with the sand. But it is so dirty I can't find a good spot.
Reporter 1: So you find it very inconvenient?
Kind Gentlemen: Yes.
Reporter 2: If there are any conservation activities, will you take part in them?
Kind Gentlemen: Yes, of course. And I will encourage my children to do so too.
Reporters 1 and 2: Thank you
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Origin of Coral Reefs
Howdy partners! After so much talk about coral reefs! Aren't you curious to know how corals are formed and their origin? Let me give an introduction on the origin of coral reefs...
The world's first coral reefs occurred about 500 million years ago, and the first close relatives of modern corals developed in southern Europe about 230 million years ago. By comparison, the Great Barrier Reef is relatively young at just 500,000 years old.
Great Barrier Reef
The current reef's structure is much younger at less than around 8,000 years old.Most modern reefs have formed on hard surfaces in the ocean, such as a base of an old reef that died during a period when sea level was lower, or the edge of a rocky island. Depending on how they start out, several types of reefs can form. Some coral reefs form in the deep ocean and are called atolls. The theories on how coral reefs form were first put forward by Charles Darwin (of The Origin of Species fame) who proposed that atolls form around the edges of high volcanic islands that gradually submerge beneath the sea with changes in sea level or subsidence of the land.
Thus an atoll starts life as a fringing reef, then becomes more of a ring growing on the shrinking land-mass, until the land disappears and just the coral circle remains. In some cases, the coral growth is unable to keep pace with the sinking island, and sunken dead reefs have been found.
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