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Giant Slab of Great Barrier Reef Teeters on the Edge
Australia’s Institute of Marine Science recently received data revealing a section of the Great Barrier Reef that is in danger of collapse. Perched on top of a continental shelf, the slab measuring at around one-cubic kilometer was discovered while researchers were mapping the sea floor. The remains of an ancient underwater landslide is theorized to be a potential tsunami creator in the event it slides off into the ocean. Geologist Robin Beaman: “Undersea landslides are a well understood geological process but we didn’t know there were any on the Barrier Reef.” 
“We found this one large block that stood out. It is sitting on top of a sub-marine canyon, cutting into the slopes and it is in the preliminary stage of collapse.” Robin and his team are uncertain when, or even if, this slab could slide off its shelf but assure us: “..it remains stable under current conditions.” Adding to problems Australia and the GBR are encountering these findings show how fragile our reef ecosystems truly are. Read more here!… More:
Posted in Conservation, Corals, Industry, Science
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Samoa Study Lends Insight to Heat-Resistant Coral
Survival of the fittest has always been natures way of showcasing the adaptability of organisms and in a world where climate change is ever present it is a known fact our oceans are increasing in temperature. In this latest genetic study done by the Stanford Woods Institute and the Stanford Hopkins Marine Station scientists are using cutting-edge technology and attempting to sequence the genes corals turn off and on to withstand increases in ocean temperatures. In this recent study lead author Daniel Barshis and his team looked in places like Ofu Island in the American Somoa where corals are known to withstand temperature increases as high as 90 degrees fahrenheit in the summer and in low tide. 
Heat-resistant and heat-sensitive corals all react to changes in temperature by turning on or off genes, but what was so interesting about this study was that some coral were found to have already had their heat-resistant genes turned on: The corals genes “changed expression” to repair any damage that was done before the damage had even occurred. The findings imply heat-resistant corals may have a head start in the race to adapt to global climate change. Stephen Palumbi, co-author of the study, reminds us: “We’re going to put a lot of effort into protecting coral reefs, but what happens if we wake up in 30 years and all our efforts are in vain because those corals have succumbed to climate change?” These genetic markers are now being understood through DNA sequencing to help us further map the sea floor and mark areas like the Ofu Island where heat-resistant corals can be further studied. Read more here!
New layer…
New layer…
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Posted in Conservation, Corals, Industry, Science
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Do fish feel pain?
A recent study in the journal Fish and Fisheries suggests that fish do not feel pain as they do not have a brain system or enough sensory receptors in the nerve cells to experience suffering. Fish do not even suffer when they are hooked and fighting for their lives, according to the team of researchers. While fish may struggle to get free, scientists say this does not mean they are in pain. Instead, they show “little effect” from injuries and toxins that would leave humans in agony, reported. In their experiments, researchers inserted needles into the jaws of rainbow trout. “In spite of large injections of acid or bee venom, that would cause severe pain to a human, the trout showed remarkably little effect,” Jim Rose, professor of zoology and physiology at the University of Wisconsin, who led the project, said. Fish also resumed normal activity within minutes of surgical procedures, as well as after being caught and released back into the water. “It is highly improbable that fish can experience pain,” Rose said. “We are not diminishing the importance of welfare considerations for fish, but we do reject the view that mental welfare is a legitimate concern,” Rose added. However, some believe while fish may not scream out, they still react to painful stimuli. “Fish don’t scream in pain but they exhibit other pronounced reactions to painful stimuli. To claim otherwise is as sound as arguing the Earth is flat,” Ben Williamson, spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said. Many aquarists are sure to take issue with these claims and many commentators are already concerned that this study could be used to weaken legislation and measures currently in place to protect fish in the wild and captivity.… More:
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Spawning Tridacna crocea in Captivity
Tridacna crocea is the smallest known species of giant clam. Because of its manageable size and remarkable color patterns, Tridacna crocea has become quite popular among aquarists. In lieu of this species’ popularity, an effort to aquaculture these clams has been made. This intricate, multi-step process begins with spawning. Since Tridacna clams spawn when there is a shift in water parameters caused by oceanic tides, it is very rare for Tridacna to spawn naturally in captivity. This being said, chemically induced spawning is the most conventional method. Chemically induced spawning may be accomplished by injecting a serotonin solution into the clam’s gonad. Moments after the injection, the clam will begin to release sperm through its excurrent siphon. Several minutes later, the clam will no longer release sperm, and begin releasing eggs. This is possible, because Tridacna clams are simultaneous hermaphrodites; they possess both male and female gonads as adults. Although the majority of Tridacna available to aquarium hobbyists are collected from the ocean, there is likely to be a shift toward aquaculture as we continue to investigate their biology. … More:
Posted in Conservation, Invertebrates, Science
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Could fish food become more sustainable?
Very few of us consider the sustainability or not of our fish food – some recent work in Norway shows the way for the aquaculture industry to demonstrate further commitment to sustainability. Will the technology find its way into the aquarium industry?… More:
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Man Steals The Show with Local Aquarium Fish
Earlier this month in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, a man claimed a prize package in a local fishing tournament. The only problem was, he didn’t do any legal fishing to catch the fish he won the tournament with. Matthew Clark of Guernsey posed with his winning catch for pictures at the Bailiwick Bass Club Open Competition only later to find out he would be stripped of his title and branded a thief. 
A local man named Shane Bentley recognized the fish Clark was pictured with as a local aquarium inhabitant and thought “It stood out because it had some very distinct markings on its head.” Then: “It wasn’t until the winning fish was lifted for the photo that I thought, ‘That’s the fish from the aquarium.’ Next morning, I went to the aquarium and asked to see the bass with the markings. But neither myself nor the owner could find it anywhere.” Bentley then informed the contest organizers who contacted local authorities. The local newspaper in Guernsey reported that Matthew quickly sold the fish to a fishmonger after he realized out he was being pursued and possibly faced charges but he authorities were then able to locate the fishmonger, as well as the carcass of the stolen fish, and identify the fish as the one missing from the local aquarium. Matthew Clark confessed to burglary and fraud and was given 100 hours of community service; a small consequence for murdering . Read more here.… More:
Posted in Conservation, Fish, Funny, Opinion, Science
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13 Non-native Species Introduced to California Waters Through the Aquarium Trade
In a study done by the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory it was found that 13 non-native species of marine fish, seaweed, and snails have been released into California waters. Citing the preverbal “flush em” technique as a probable cause, the aquarium industry is receiving the bulk of the blame in a report aimed at assessing the potential ecologic and economical impacts of non-native species in Californian waters. The study also found approximately 102 species are being imported everyday through the San Francisco ports causing concern for invasive species that can compete with native species for habitat resources. With recent outbreak concerns of the invasive Lionfish around the world, this study sheds more light onto similar concerns in Californian waters. 
Susan Williams, lead author, finds in their conclusions: “that a more centralized information and permitting system would benefit the regulators, industry and hobbyists, and enable scientists to collect more information and better assess the risk.” She also recommends to hobbyists: “Aquarium hobbyists can follow some simple practices — like ‘Don’t dump your aquarium’ — to avoid releasing aquarium species into natural water where they can become an expensive and harmful pest.” Contacting your vendor or place of business you purchased said livestock and arranging a return is another method of control she suggested. The oversight she recommends would most definitely limit the amount of livestock imported into the United States and impact the aquarium trade in ways we cannot predict. Funded by the California Ocean Protection Council and California Ocean Science Trust the study comes nearly 13 years after a devastating Caulerpa outbreak in San Diego and is another reminder of how we as hobbyists should exercise caution when choosing, and disposing of, aquarium inhabitants. Read the report here!… More:
Posted in Conservation, Corals, Fish, Industry, Invertebrates, Opinion, Science
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Very large bed of Flame shells discovered in… Scotland – maybe the world’s largest
A huge colony of the elusive and brightly coloured shellfish species – numbering at least 100 million – has been revealed in coastal waters in the west of Scotland according to the Scottish Government.… More:
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Epulopiscium: A Microbial Giant
The bacterial behemoth, Epulopiscium fishelsoni, is truly unique. E. fishelsoni is commonly regarded as the largest bacterium discovered to date, having the size of roughly 1,000,000 Escherichia coli. Residing within the gastrointestinal tract of several tang fish species, E. fishelsoni is thought to have a mutually symbiotic relationship with its host, assisting in the digestion of algae, which constitutes the majority of the tang’s diet. Although research regarding Epulopiscium fishelsoni is still in its infancy, further exploration of its ecology may help shed light upon the care requirements of tang fish in captivity. … More:
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Aussies Deemed unfit to Care for Great Barrier Reef
Australia is currently under extreme scrutiny as guardians of the Great Barrier Reef. With recent findings like the first ever sighting of Acropora eating flatworms and immanent collapse warnings from the UN the GBR will have its fate decided by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture department. Dr Robin Beaman, a marine researcher from James Cook University: “We should not be so dismissive of the UNESCO concerns about the health of the Great Barrier Reef, to do so is such a parochial response. The World Heritage listing for the Great Barrier Reef, and its continuing health, is vital for the marketing of the area for tourism and the numerous people who derive income from the reef.” 
Criticized for coastal development projects that have weakened the GBR, Australia’s government has now been overstepped by a global body of countries who regards the environment over such things as drilling for oil. UNESCO will decide whether or not the GBR should be deemed a World Heritage site and have oversight greater than what it is currently receiving from the Australian Government. A potential blow to Australia’s conservation reputation these findings paint a picture of the current status of the GBR and Australia’s efforts to preserve it. Read more here! MAJOR FINDINGS FROM UNESCO:
* Rapid increase of coastal developments, including ports infrastructure, of “significant concern”
* Reef lacks overall plan for future sustainable development
* Development and other pressures should be reduced as much as possible to boost reef’s resilience to adapt to climate change
* Warning of reef being listed as “in danger”, if some of the most threatening developments proceed further towards consent
* Warning of “unaddressed concerns” about the protection and management of port and gas industry facilities in Gladstone Harbour and on nearby Curtis Island REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS:
* Australia should not allow any new port developments or associated infrastructure, outside existing port areas, in or adjoining the World Heritage area
* Australian government to complete strategic assessment of the reef before 2015
* Australia must sustain and increase efforts and resources to conserve the reef
* Independent review to be held of the management of Gladstone Harbour… More:
Posted in Conservation, Corals, Fish, Industry, Invertebrates, Opinion, Science
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The Sexual Vitality of Gorgonians
Scientists from the University at Buffalo are studying the Gorgonian species Antillogorgia elisabethae to determine its ability to revive after being cropped. A species that is harvested for the skin care industry was studied over a four-year span from the time colonies were cut to when the team returned. The abstract begins saying: “Polyps from female colonies that had previously been cropped produced fewer eggs than those that had not been cropped. The clipped colonies were less likely to have reproductive polyps, and the male colonies that were clipped to 10–15 cm height had fewer reproductive polyps and fewer spermaries per reproductive polyp than unclipped controls that were 30 cm in height.” 
Photo courtesy of phys.org A species known for sexual reproduction, Antillogorgia elisabethae grow in sexually segregated colonies. During spawning events females release eggs that settle on surface tissues of the colony waiting to be fertilized by floating sperm. The team’s leader Dr. Howard Lasker reflects: “The really interesting finding was that four years later, these colonies were still displaying an effect. They don’t necessarily look damaged anymore, but it takes some time to get back to where they were in terms of reproduction.” Read more here!… More:
Posted in Conservation, Corals, Industry, Opinion, Science
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Giant Clam Farm Dive Video of the Philippines
Facebook and YouTube are readily becoming marketing avenues for reef inhabitant vendors. This latest video from a giant clam farm in the Philippines shows how the conservation efforts bred by the aquarium industry can help a species on the verge of extinction bounce back. “Once locally extinct in the Philippines, thousands of clams cultured at Bolinao Marine Laboratory are growing in this shallow-water nursery. These charismatic species are a success story of coral reef restoration biology.”
The Bolinao Clam Nursery has fields of mature Tridacna gigas, the largest species of clam known to man. Crammed tightly together the clams will benefit from their proximity to each other when they breed and hopefully increase the numbers of this clam throughout Philippine reefs.… More:
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