Deep-sea trawling is devastating marine ecosystems

In his research for the ten-year European Census of Marine Life, Dr. Jason Hall-Spencer of Plymouth University in the United Kingdom has found that deep-sea bottom trawlers are destroying corals and marine habitats that had been preserved for eons, since the last Ice Age.

Once used only in shallow waters, the giant heavy nets with rubber rollers that are dragged along the seafloor are now being taken to deeper seas due to dwindling numbers of fish.

Along with the countless lives they take, the net’s rollers are known to collapse delicate coral habitats. Dr. Hall-Spencer stated in fact that while less than 1% of some 50,000 underwater sea mountains have been studied, their biodiverse ecosystems may be decimated before ever being explored.

He said, “It doesn't matter what ocean you go to, these habitats are being trashed by international fishing fleets. …What is urgently needed is a network of protected areas where any type of fishing gear that involves dragging equipment across the seabed is banned.”

Many thanks, Dr. Hall-Spencer for your call to halt the destructive practice of bottom trawling. Indeed, let us allow all fish to live so that our world may continue to be graced with wondrous marine life.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently spoken of the need to protect our living oceans, as in an interview published in the September 2009 edition of the British Parliament's The House Magazine.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If we do end the killing of fish in the spirit of showing respect for all created life, the fish will rebound very quickly. But the continuation of fishing activities could damage the balance of marine life beyond its ability to recover.

Analysis by British researchers of hundreds of years of fishing records has revealed to us the devastating effects of trawling to both the marine environment and sea life. One scientist compared this method to harvesting apples by lowering a giant net and dragging it through the orchard, thus destroying the trees, destroying the very life that supports the fruit.

Please, request the media’s help in spreading info about the detriments of trawling and the dire state of fish populations today. Another extremely effective practice would be to stop eating fish and advocate the same for all citizens.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/18/deep-sea-trawling-coral-reefs

Recovery of coral reefs linked to healthy fish

A study by the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom indicates that coral reefs damaged by climate change can recover. Over a two-and-a-half year time period, the scientists evaluated reefs at 10 sites throughout the Bahamas that had been severely damaged, first by acidification and bleaching and then by a devastating hurricane in 2004.

The study showed that coral reefs located within marine reserves had increased in growth by an average of 19%, while reefs in non-reserve sites showed no recovery.

This finding does not bode well for reef recovery as only about 2% of the world's coral reefs are located within marine reserves that are protected against damaging activities like fishing.

Lead study scientist, Professor Peter Mumby explained that certain marine life like parrotfish eat seaweed, which then allows the corals to grow freely and that governments should thus consider expanding the protected areas. He explained: “In order to protect reefs in the long-term we need radical action to reduce CO2 emissions.

However, our research shows that local action to reduce the effects of fishing can contribute meaningfully to the fate of (the) reefs.” Professor Mumby and University of Exeter researchers, you have our heartfelt thanks for your encouraging findings. May governments and individuals alike join in sustainable actions to save our precious marine environments.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently spoken of the need to preserve Earth’s biodiversity, as in an interview published in the September 2009 edition of the British Parliament's The House Magazine.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: No matter how small, each species has a role to help balance our ecosystem, scientifically proven. And yet, consumption of both fish and animal flesh continue and are wreaking havoc on biodiversity around the globe.

In the oceans and fresh waterways, so many species of fish have already been lost, with complete aquatic environments such as coral reefs being decimated by such practices as trawling and fishing with explosives.

The answer to all of this is quite clear. Stop the meat consumption. Stop it yesterday. This will allow biodiversity to be replenished. This is the way we need to go, and fast.

http://www.physorg.com/news182237863.html
http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0110-hance_coralrecover.html

Coral reefs give rise to considerable new species

A recent study by scientists at Humboldt University in Germany looked back hundreds of millions of years to determine the type of life that has sprung up around coral reefs over time. These magnificent but delicate ecosystems are currently imperiled worldwide as rising ocean temperatures produce bleaching and acidification, making it difficult for their structures to form.

Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as the rainforest of the ocean because of their vast biodiversity. That description was confirmed in this study as researchers found new species originating 50% faster in coral reefs than in other habitats.
Lead author Dr. Wolfgang Kiessling stated, “Our study shows that reefs are even more important than currently assumed ... not only ecologically … but also in an evolutionary sense.”

Dr. Kiessling and Humboldt University colleagues, our sincere thanks for your detailed work confirming the vital importance of coral reefs to our planet.

Let us show our respect for life on both land and sea through sustainable living in harmony with the Earth.

In a November 2008 interview on Ireland’s East Coast Radio FM, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed yet again the significant value of the fragile marine ecosystems, along with the way to assure their preservation.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Some scientists predict that most of the coral reefs could disappear in the near future if global warming increases. Scary, 10% lost just in the last four years alone. Coral reefs are just like the forest on land. They are the protectors of 100-plus countries’ coastlines against storm surges and hurricanes. And they are also the supporters of over 25% of all marine species. They are the medical treasure which is used in many medicines And there are many more things that we have not discovered about the benefits of coral reef and marine life.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: So we have to stop global warming.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: And above all, and most urgently of all, be veg, go green to save the planet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8446002.stm

Study of ancient coral reef shows catastrophic rise in sea levels.

According to a recent study by Dr Paul Blanchon, marine scientist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, rapid ice melt of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets could lead to sea level rises of several meters, which would inundate international cities like London in the United Kingdom; New York, USA; Tokyo, Japan, and Calcutta, India. With research that focused on fossilized Gulf of Mexico coral reefs dating back 121,000 years, Dr. Blanchon found that warmer temperatures at the time led to the disintegration of the same ice sheets now concerning scientists, causing a rapid jump in sea level at that time. With today’s fast melting of ice in the Antarctic and Greenland, this study on ancient coral reefs warns of the current potential for a disastrous sea-level rise if climate change is not mitigated.

Our sincere thanks, Dr. Blanchon and colleagues for your study that confirms humanity’s precarious situation and the need for all of us to act now to save our planetary home.

In a December 2008 videoconference held in California, USA, Supreme Master Ching Hai called on all global citizens to adopt a more caring lifestyle that halts devastating consequences such as these, thus conserving our lives and the planet.

Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai
California, USA – December 12, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: So many islands have sunk under water already. Many coastal cities’ land has been eroded. Two thousand more islands are sinking, and 18 islands–for what we have known, maybe more, but we don’t know—18 islands including small nation islands already gone, disappeared under water, sometimes 6 meters under water already, and another 40 are or at risk of sinking, or uninhabitable or begins to be uninhabitable because they cannot cultivate anymore because the land became inundated with salty water already.

I want to plead with all the planet people. Please stop killing animals. Please have compassion. Please turn to vegetarian diet. Please be vegan. That is to save yourselves and your children.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: So, organic vegan diet is the answer.

Âu Lạc’s (Vietnam’s) coastal biodiversity dwindling

Âu Lạc’s (Vietnam’s) coastal biodiversity dwindling. The coral reefs of Âu Lạc provide sustenance for marine life and safeguard residents from natural disasters. However, according to the nation’s General Department of Sea and Islands, pollution and activities such as fishing have damaged some 80 percent of the nation’s coral reefs. In addition, studies by the Institute of Oceanography indicate that deforestation, farming practices and urban development have caused a huge loss of mangrove forests, which protect coastlines and freshwater supplies, reducing their expanse from 255,000 hectares in 1990 to 155,300 hectares today. This has also increased the risk of land salinization and freshwater pollution.

Our thankfulness, General Department of Sea and Islands and Institute of Oceanography for informing us of these adverse human effects on the natural environment. Let us quickly turn to more considerate and eco-conscious ways for a return of the vibrant flora and fauna of both land and sea.

In a May 2008 live videoconference for the SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming in Seoul, Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained that once we realize the damage caused by our actions, we can reverse them to show care and help restore the environment.


Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai
for the SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming Seoul, Korea - May 22, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We have been massacring our co-inhabitant animals, and we have been destroying our environment like deforesting and destroying the water and destroying the air. So in order to solve the problem that we are facing right now, we have to reverse our actions. We have to be kind to our co-inhabitants. Instead of killing them, massacring them, sacrificing them, we have to take care of them. And instead of deforestation, we have to plant trees again. Take care of whatever environment that we have. And instead of polluting our planet, the air, we have to turn to friendly energy and sustainable energy. Just reverse our action.

Marine life being over exploited

Sri Lanka’s marine treasures endangered. Environmentalists in southern Asian countries such as Sri Lanka report that the unsustainable use of marine resources is leading to the devastation of coral reefs, marine turtles, mangroves and more. Although illegal, activities such as coral mining, collecting turtle eggs and catching turtles are still widely practiced in some regions. Furthermore, trawlers who drag the sea bottom along with other non-sustainable activities are contributing to the rapid decline of marine life, sea grass beds, coral reefs and mangroves, creating changes that greatly upset the region’s ecosystem.

We share the environmentalists’ sense of deep alarm and pray that everyone begins now in truly caring for all beings on the Earth that we share. May Buddha bless the Sri Lankan people and their marine co-inhabitants with a green ecosphere always.

In a July 2008 videoconference with dignitaries and guests at the "Heart-Touch Tour" exhibition in Formosa (Taiwan), Supreme Master Ching Hai responded to concerns about how to resolve the current plight of our ecosystems.

Heart-Touch Tour of the Supreme Master Ching Hai: Eden on Earth Arts Gallery Exhibition
Formosa - July 5, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We should have more rules, more guidelines, to protect our natural habitat because sometimes we overlook the long run effect. We just see the immediate benefit or gain and we forget that in the long run, if we carelessly build or damage or interfere with nature, then the consequence is very, very detrimental to ourselves and to the planet, just like what we are facing right now. Above all, enlightenment is really what’s needed to govern. That’s number one. And vegetarian diet with right motive, number two. We offer more compassion and insight. Also we help preserve precious natural habitat for the wilds and protect the resources for humans.

World coral reefs in dramatic decline.

Like many of the ocean’s coral reefs, Latin America’s Chitales, which stretches from Cancun, Mexico to Honduras, is losing life at an alarming rate. Climate change, which warms the oceans and makes them more acidic, is one reason for the decline, while pollution from agricultural runoff and waste along with overfishing is said to be speeding it even more. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network reports that across the Caribbean, in just the last three decades, living coral has diminished by 80%. Beside their remarkable beauty, coral reefs serve as buffers to coastal cities during hurricanes and are irreplaceable nurseries for fish.

Our appreciation, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and all who are working to save these uniquely precious marine treasures. May humanity further appreciate the interconnectedness of all life and act quickly to restore our planet.

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE48T01G20080930