Coral bank remedies loss of reefs
Project source for research, future
By KEVIN LOLLAR,
klollar@news-press.com
Published by news-press.com on November 17, 2003
"SUMMERLAND KEY — Scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen and marine scientists around the world should take interest in the Keys’ newest bank.
No, it’s not a member of the FDIC that provides loans, mortgages and investment services; it doesn’t even have an ATM.
This is a coral genetics bank, recently established at Mote Marine Laboratory’s tropical research center, where staff biologist Dave Lackland grows stony corals — coral species that build reefs.
“A lot of researchers look at the problems with coral; I’m leaving that to other folks,” Lackland said. “My goal is to create a genetics bank for the future, to hold corals and let them grow and thrive for other researchers, for experiments, for stock enhancement, whatever is needed to replenish these animals.”
Coral reefs worldwide are in terrible shape. Corals are being killed by boat groundings, divers, diseases, algal blooms, sponges that engulf whole coral heads, even global warming. "
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