Monday, October 27, 2008

Coral Reefs





Previously an untapped coral reef at the Seychelles Islands was discovered by researchers at the Department of Biological Science. Dr. Dave Smith, Dr. Dave Suggett, PHD student, Seb Hennige, and local Seychelles collaborators were at the Curieuse Island for studying. This protected island is home to over two hundred tortoises. There were no known whereabouts of any coral reefs in the area. After a dive, they found a coral reef that was so deep it was not visible by the normal snorkeler. Caused by the 2004 tsunami, both doctors found clear evidence of destruction to the coral reef. This particular reef held various species of fish, such as the tiger shark. Dr. smith said that "next time he will go about doing experiments differently with coral reefs." Also there seemed to be a physiological difference between the tolerant and sensitive species on the reef. Currently now a marine field base is going to be established for the study of this new and magnificent coral reef.






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