26 March 2007

Scientific inquest to aid Utila's coral reef

UCME, Utila Centre for Marine Ecology a new non- governmental organisation works for the protection of Utila's coral reefs and marine biodiversity. The recent causes of deterioration in the quality of reef all over the world is generated by environmental and human factors. One of the significant changes that have taken place recently has been that humans have stared getting more involved in reefs. According to Steve Box, a leading marine biologist and Director at UCME states that human influence on reefs has confined the capacity of coral reefs to endure environmental disturbances through discarding sewage, nutrients and sediment which impairs the development of coral reefs which thrive well in clean and clear water. Over fishing is another damage inflicted upon reefs. In Utila as well as in the Caribbean, over fishing has eradicated some of the most important animals.
Dive tourism gets highly effected in areas with poor quality reefs since such reefs support fewer marine life which in turn lowers the level of tourism. According to Box, the NGO's pivotal role is to provide information so that people can be aware to make their own decisions. Box further states that it is of prime importance for Utila to understand that the livelihood of the entire island depends on the health of the coral.
Fisheries are important but it is essential for every business and for each resident on the island to understand how much they rely on the island's natural resources. It is important for the visitors to understand that they are the lifeline of Utila and that they need to see Utila as a delicate place and realize that its native beauty that attracts them to the island needs observant management. UMCE supports students from various Honduran and International universities which includes Zamorano, Pan-American School of Agriculture, University of Pennsylvania State, University of Southern Mississippi, Universities of New Castle, England, Bangor, Wales and Lund in Sweden.

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