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I was impressed to learn last week that a major conference of scientists had come to town. Called the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, this was a meeting of reef scientists as well as others whose work involves our delicate coral, including divers, conservationists, fishermen and fisherwomen. These folks only hold this conference every four years and it has been more than 30 years since the group has met anywhere on the United States mainland. So it seemed to me that it was sort of a big deal. I thought that Fort Lauderdale was an especially appropriate choice. First of all, it’s a terrific convention city. I’ve been to conventions in a number of places around the country, which gives me some basis for comparison. Conventions typically are a peculiar combination of meetings and parties. You need a great space to get together and talk, but you also want something to do when the work day is done. I would find Fort Lauderdale a wonderful choice on both counts.
But beyond that, we are a diving and fishing mecca. People come from all over the world to enjoy the sea off our coastline. And finally, of course, we offer the very thing these scientists care about most – coral reefs. All in all, what spot could be better to hold this conference?
The meeting’s theme was a serious one. “Reefs for the future,” it was named. We all know that coral reefs around the world are in significant danger from pollution, overfishing, climate change and whatever else. I find it sad to think about these gorgeous living organisms suffering in this way. I’ve done a bit of diving among Florida’s coral reefs. It’s always amazing, always beautiful. But when you find just the right reef on just the right day, the experience can be stunning. Great otherwordly shapes floating freely, waving in the ocean current, radiating with the most intense purples and golds and whole palettes of colors. That’s how all these reefs should look all the time. They don’t. As more and more coral dies, sealife that depends on it for a home also is hurt and ultimately that impacts our own food chain. For these and other reasons, I'm sure everyone applauds the efforts of these scientists who are laboring to save the coral reefs. They’re doing important work. And I’m optimistic that they will succeed in the long run, quite honestly. Nature has a way of repairing itself, given a little help from us. By now, I suppose, most of the out-of-town conventioneers have left Fort Lauderdale and gone back to their labs and their ships or wherever they carry out this ecological mission. I only wish I’d bumped into a couple of them in a seaside café, though. I’d have bought them a round of drinks.
But beyond that, we are a diving and fishing mecca. People come from all over the world to enjoy the sea off our coastline. And finally, of course, we offer the very thing these scientists care about most – coral reefs. All in all, what spot could be better to hold this conference?
The meeting’s theme was a serious one. “Reefs for the future,” it was named. We all know that coral reefs around the world are in significant danger from pollution, overfishing, climate change and whatever else. I find it sad to think about these gorgeous living organisms suffering in this way. I’ve done a bit of diving among Florida’s coral reefs. It’s always amazing, always beautiful. But when you find just the right reef on just the right day, the experience can be stunning. Great otherwordly shapes floating freely, waving in the ocean current, radiating with the most intense purples and golds and whole palettes of colors. That’s how all these reefs should look all the time. They don’t. As more and more coral dies, sealife that depends on it for a home also is hurt and ultimately that impacts our own food chain. For these and other reasons, I'm sure everyone applauds the efforts of these scientists who are laboring to save the coral reefs. They’re doing important work. And I’m optimistic that they will succeed in the long run, quite honestly. Nature has a way of repairing itself, given a little help from us. By now, I suppose, most of the out-of-town conventioneers have left Fort Lauderdale and gone back to their labs and their ships or wherever they carry out this ecological mission. I only wish I’d bumped into a couple of them in a seaside café, though. I’d have bought them a round of drinks.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 9:00 AM
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