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Volunteers plant corals to preserve marine biodiversity in Guanacaste By
A.M. Costa Rica staff
Coral reefs are of great importance to maintain the biodiversity of the seas, in addition to protecting the coasts against erosion and the strength of the waves. Volunteers and scientists are promoting the planting of coral along the Guanacaste coasts to reverse the damage caused by the humans to these fragile marine ecosystems. Over the weekend, a contingent made up of volunteers and Costa Rican Coast Guard officers planted coral in the waters of Sámara Beach* in Nicoya, Guanacaste. Massimo Gambari, a security official, has been one of the most enthusiastic collaborators of this project, which is promoted by the National Learning Institute and the Ministry of Environment, among other public institutions. The director of the coast guard station of Flamingo, commander Luis Diego Castro Baldizón, reported that during the weekend 40 fragments of juvenile coral were planted, the growth of which will be monitored by the Institute. According to Carlos Pérez Reyes, representative of the Institute, the plan to plant coral started two years ago. Since then, the institute has offered courses in coral gardening to the residents of Sámara, and as part of the project, they have been testing different techniques and materials to carry out the sowing of the coral, which is carried out at a depth of 29 meters. In addition to all the benefits that these projects imply for the environment, eventually, the planting of coral could become an ecotourism initiative, as it would contribute to increasing the tourist attractions that Sámara Beach and Guanacaste already have. For this reason, the institute gives courses to develop this activity. More information on planting coral volunteer can be reached at institute phone number 2210-6000. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coral reefs are dying around the world. In particular, runoff, pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, disease, invasive species, overuse by humans and coral mining and the digging of canals and access into islands and bays are localized threats to coral ecosystems. Broader threats are sea temperature rise, sea-level rise and ocean acidification, all associated with greenhouse gas emissions. Other threats include the ocean's role as a carbon dioxide sink, atmospheric changes, ultraviolet light, ocean acidification, viruses, impacts of dust storms carrying agents to far-flung reefs, and algal blooms. NOAA specialists advise to protect coral reefs individuals should: - Choose sustainable seafood. - Conserve Water. The less water used, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually find their ways back into the ocean. - Volunteer in a local beach or reef cleanups. - Don't give coral as presents. It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so people should leave them on the reef. - Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the leading threats to coral reef survival. - Divers should not touch. coral reefs because they are alive. Stirred-up sediment can smother corals, too. - Check sunscreen active ingredients. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., use ultraviolet protection factor sunwear, and choose sunscreens with chemicals that don’t harm marine life. - Be a marine crusader. In addition to picking up your own trash, carry away the trash that others have left behind. - Don't send chemicals into the waterways. Nutrients from excess fertilizer increase algae growth that blocks sunlight to corals. - Practice safe boating. Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses so that the anchor and chain do not drag on nearby corals. ---------------- What other advice would you give to protect the coral reef? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com |
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