Elkhorn Coral

The only living coral reef in North America has really been put through a lot by humans, with the hellish effects of a booming population on mainland Florida as well as in the Keys, which is causing some coral to die and a lot of others to become distressed. Researcher are now focusing on a way to try and help repair the damage done, and even restore the reef to its previous glory.

Researchers have been raising coral, which is still a living organism, in nurseries so that it can be easily moved into the ocean, with a minimum of fuss and muss. The plan is to begin with Davis Reef in Islamorada (purple island), which has been particularly hard done by, thanks to growth, shipping, and other man made messes.

Bill Sharp, a researcher over at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, has explained that the work to be performed on Davis Reef could aid scientists in better understanding how nursery-grown coral can come to the aid of natural coral.

Researchers also hope that the project will help bring back the long-spined sea urchins, which normally use the coral reefs for shelter.

Not only does the reef provide shelter for a myriad of life in the sea, living reefs are also a major draw in terms of tourism, attracting divers and snorkelers from all over the place, year in and year out.

If the reef could somehow have the damage done to it repaired, and the age of the dam is not too much, then coral reefs can regenerate over time, however it can take decades, hundreds or even thousands of years to replenish to their natural states

Four Pacific Angel sharks have been born at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, USA. The pups weighed between 115 and 120 grams at birth and measured 21-24 cm.

“We’re thrilled to have these rare births at Aquarium of the Bay,” said Christina Slager, Director of Husbandry at the Aquarium. “Very little is known about the reproductive behavior of these beautiful sharks, so the information we gather from these pups will be really valuable.”

The Pacific Angel shark (Squatina californica) is found from South Eastern Alaska to the Gulf of California and the San Francisco birth coincides with the pupping season for many local shark species.

The newborns have been moved from the exhibition to more secluded nursery tanks where they will be able to enjoy some peace and quite while being monitored by the husbandry team.

The Aquarium of the Bay is the only nature centre to consistently exhibit, study and care for Pacific Angel Sharks. The Aquarium of the Bay Foundation is currently funding a research project related to Angel sharks, where the collected data on breeding patterns and migration will be made available to government agencies, with the hope of protecting the animals’ habitat.