11th International Coral Reef Symposium

MEDIA PORTAL

PRESS RELEASES

Press releases for the 11th ICRS will be made available on EurekAlert! beginning Wednesday, July 2, 2008. In addition, we will be posting relevant coral reef research press releases for your convenience here in the weeks leading up to the 11th ICRS.

July 11, 2008

DAILY DIGEST July 11, 2008
NEWS SUMMARY
1. Concluding remarks from top scientists at the final ICRS press briefing
2. Final keynote address from 2008 Darwin Medal winner Terry Hughes - Science, Policy and the Future of Coral Reefs
3. Reaping the benefits of coral gardens
4. Measuring carbon fluxes

Corals not doomed if we do the right thing

July 10, 2008

DAILY DIGEST July 10, 2008
NEWS SUMMARY
1. One third of reef-building corals face extinction
2. American Samoa's reefs suffer from coral bleaching
3. Untold stories of climate change and corals
4. Predicting Gene Flow from Satellite Mapping
5. Ecological Effects of No-take Marine Reserves
6. Light and Motion Sensor Program: Low Cost Coral Reef Monitoring
7. Quote on climate change by top NOAA administrator

One Third of Reef-Building Corals Face Extinction

NOAA Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher addresses attendees at the ICRS. Vice Admiral Lautenbacher was just one of many notable attendees at this year's symposium.

The International Coral Reef Symposium recognized those who have made significant contributions to coral reef science.

Over 3,400 people attended the 11th ICRS, including nearly 450 exhibitors.

July 9, 2008

DAILY DIGEST July 9, 2008
NEWS SUMMARY
1. Looking beyond the symptoms of coral disease
2. Underwater vacuum helps control alien algae
3. Managing fishing gear should be priority in tropical systems
4. Coral reef degradation's threats to reef fishes

CORAL DECLINE TO HIT RICH AND POOR

Dr. Daniel Pauly, Professor and Director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia, explains how recreational fishing can lead to a predatory imbalance in coral reef ecosystems.

Representatives of the Reef Artisan Collaborative were just four of the nearly 500 exhibitors at this year’s symposium.

July 8, 2008

DAILY DIGEST July 8, 2008
NEWS SUMMARY
1. Current catch figures underestimate numbers of fishes taken from reefs
2. Most reef fishes in Main Hawaiian Islands are depleted
3. Where are coral reef fish going?
4. Climate change and the future for coral reef fishes

SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

5. Reef Coral – A Symbiosis as Complex Adaptive Systems
6. Solar Insolation Drives Reproductive Schedules of Reef Corals: A Long Road In The Search For Proximate and Ultimate Causes
7. Coral Response to Ocean Acidification

Scientists Discover New Reefs Teeming with Marine Life in Brazil

CATCHES FROM TROPICAL ISLAND NATIONS VASTLY UNDERREPORTED - REEF FISHERIES AFFECTED

Fact Sheet on Tropical Island Nations Underreporting

75 percent of main Hawaiian island reef fishes are depleted or in critical condition

Dirk Zeller of the University of British Columbia sits down with Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Corinne Podger for a radio interview. The 11th ICRS has presented myriad opportunities for scientists to connect with members of the media and educate the rest of the world on the latest coral reef science.

Members of the media take notes during a press briefing on the second day of the ICRS. From left: Ken Weiss of the Los Angeles Times, freelance reporter Rina Mukherji, Tim Radford of The Guardian, and Steve Connor from The Independent.

Members of the media listen to Islands Business reporter Samisoni Pareti of Fiji as he weighs in during a unique panel held on July 8. The talk, "Can This Relationship Be Saved?" pitted six scientists against six journalists in a discussion of how the two groups can overcome their differences and work together to achieve their respective goals.

Panelists from the July 8 talk, "Can This Relationship Be Saved? Why Journalists and Scientists Just Don't Communicate." Scientists (top) and members of the media (bottom) discussed the difficulties they face with each other in an attempt to reconcile and work together to achieve their respective goals.

July 7, 2008

DAILY DIGEST July 7, 2008
1. Presentation of Federal Funding for Coral Reef Research
2. Launch of "The Status of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States" Report
3. Florida governor signs bill to stop sewage outfalls

SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

3. Forecasting Storm Mediated Changes in Reef Coral Assemblages
4. Is 500 ppm Co2 and 2 C of Warming the ‘Tipping Point’ for Coral Reefs? If So, How Should We Respond?

FINDING A CURE FOR THE CORAL CRISIS - Proceedings of the US National Academy of Science Study Identifies Key to Successful Marine Ecosystem-based Management

NOAA REPORT STATES HALF OF U.S. CORAL REEFS IN "POOR" OR "FAIR" CONDITION

CORALS DELIVER ACID SHOCK

GOVERNOR CRIST TO ATTEND 11TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF SYMPOSIUM

Thousands of attendees pack the Grand Floridian Ballroom for a plenary given by Joan Kleypas of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The talk, titled “Helping Coral Reefs Through Climate Change Crisis: Mission Possible,” expressed hope for the future of coral reefs worldwide.

The lobby areas of the Broward County Convention Center provide a golden opportunity for scientists, students, journalists, and other attendees to meet, interact, and share their thoughts.