Fifty miles off the shores of Cuba lies one of the world’s healthiest coral reefs, an underwater Eden full of rare and endangered species. Anderson Cooper and “60 Minutes” cameras take viewers on an underwater adventure to this colorful world that could disappear someday if mankind isn’t more careful. Cooper’s story about “The Gardens of the Queen” reef was broadcast on “60 Minutes” on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 [Via: repeatingislands.com]
SOME STATISTICS:
33% of 704 coral species studied, face a greater threat of extinction as global warming takes effect.
In some reefs there are declines of up to 80% in the number of species living on the reefs.
25% of sea life inhabits and is dependent on the coral reefs.
1% of the earth is covered by coral reef.
An average of 600 square miles of living coral has died each year in the Pacific Ocean since 1968.
Coral reef destruction has doubled to 1200 square miles a year after 1995.
The threat to the health of reefs is particularly strong in Southeast Asia, where 80% of reefs are endangered.
General estimates show approximately 10% of the world’s coral reefs are dead. About 60% of the world’s reefs are at risk due to destructive, human-related activities.
[Via: destination-scuba.com]
SEE ANDERSON COOPER’S 60 MINUTE PRESENTATION: THE GARDENS OF THE QUEEN
View full article »
