Protecting UAE’s Coral Treasures

When, courtesy of Boing Boing (11 August 2008), I saw NOAA’s fantastic gallery of photographs of coral reefs around the world, it emphasized the treasure that the UAE, and particularly the east coast has, with its reefs and diving areas.

One NOAA representative says, “Coral reefs are extremely imperilled all over the world due to climate change, overfishing and pollution.”

Local diving organizations have for a long time warned UAE leaders and the public of the irreparable damage that oil slicks have been causing, especially to Fujairah’s east coastline.

These gorgeous photos help us to appreciate what divers see below the surface and why they have been calling us to attention. The clarity and radiance of these images help us to see what we have lost and they highlight the urgency to guard and protect what still remains.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Credit to NOAA for the gallery and thanks for the above coral specimen (from the Red Sea).

Related Articles:
Developers Aid efforts to Protect Coral Reef UAE, UAE Interact, 20 June 2008.
Project to Map Coral Reefs Begins in UAE, UAE Interact, 14 August 2007.