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Experts unite in bid to protect reefs

CARN, the Coral Aquarist Research Network, is the brainchild of Philippa Mansell, a Senior Research Officer in the Coral Reef Research Unit (CRRU) at The University of Essex with funding from NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).

It is completely unique in the UK and will bring together three different groups of coral stakeholders within the aquaria trade; researchers, aquarists and industry with an aim to share their expertise, knowledge and resources and increase both the awareness of the plight of the world’s coral reefs and the understanding of coral biology, ecology and conservation.

Dr Mansell told Practical Fishkeeping: “The main aim of CARN is to attempt to tackle some key environmental questions whilst also benefiting industry economics and raising awareness of coral reef ecosystems. The group welcomes input from all interested parties.”
The first meeting of the network was held at the Sea Life London Aquarium and included representatives from the world of coral science, conservation and importers and breeders.

Amongst those present were a diverse group of people ranging from scientists from CRRU at the University of Essex, and researchers at the Universities of Newcastle, Bedfordshire and Southampton; curators and team leaders from some of the countries leading museums and aquariums as well as representatives from the Marine Conservation Society, the Tropical Marine Centre and key importers and breeders of coral.

Held at the Sea Life London Aquarium the broad aim of CARNs first meeting was to establish how the group will move forward by highlighting the expertise, knowledge and resources that each stakeholder group has available to share.

A key skills questionnaire was compiled which is to be completed by all participants by February. Among the suggestions raised were how experts in the various fields can work together and how coral aquarium hobbyists can share their knowledge with the scientific community.

This may include a web-based database where people with all levels of interest can interact as well as work towards global coral conservation and a look at implications for captive breeding.

Paul Hale, Head Curator of the Sea Life London Aquarium told PFK: “It is very early days but this is a very exciting project for the UK to be involved in. There are a huge number of benefits that can come out of this network for the coral user industry with important consequences for coral conservation and breeding. Such a varied forum will greatly improve relations and communication between all parties as it helps to identify key areas of research and promote the benefits of collaboration between the different groups.”

The next CARN meeting is planned for March of this year with a CARN conference coming later in the year.

Coral reefs are hugely diverse but remain one of the most threatened marine systems in the world. Threats include pollution, destructive fishing and farming methods as well as rising water temperatures due to climate change and acidification as a result of increasing CO2 levels.

It is now estimated that 10 % of all coral reefs are degraded beyond recovery. Thirty % are in critical condition and may die within 10 to 20 years. And if current pressures are allowed to continue unabated, 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs may die completely by 2050.