Renowned scientists present recommendations to save world’s reefs

The increase in global carbon dioxide emissions is not just damaging the Earth’s climate, but also threatening the very fabric of our oceans. Today, The Nature Conservancy, along with a dozen of the world’s top marine scientists, introduced key findings and recommendations to tackle ocean acidification as part of the “Honolulu Declaration on Ocean Acidification and Reef Management” revealed at the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in Kona, Hawai‘i.

Two major strategies emerged as the backbone of the Declaration resulting from the workshop:

1. Limit fossil fuel emissions - stabilization of atmospheric CO2 is the most logical step to address ocean acidification impacts
2. Build the resilience of tropical marine ecosystems and communities to maximize their ability to resist and recover from climate change impacts, including ocean acidification.

The Honolulu Declaration outlines tangible steps that can be taken to increase the survival of coral reefs in an acidifying ocean, while also working to limit CO2 emissions and prevent further acidification. For example:

• ·Stabilize CO2 emissions and reduce marine pollution across multiple channels
• Mandate the inclusion of climate change actions into marine protected area management plans
• Increase appropriations to improve the science and actions addressing ocean acidification impacts on coral reefs
• Reduce all stresses on coral reefs as much as possible to enhance their health and resilience
• Protect reefs that are less vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification by creating new marine protected areas and through zoning plans in existing ones
• Develop, test and implement innovative interventions to reduce damage to weakened reefs and replenish species loss caused by ocean acidification
• Develop a collaborative international program on ocean acidification that includes a coordinated network of monitoring stations.

After today’s unveiling in Hawai‘i, the group plans to present the Declaration to the United Nations and other global, regional and national forums to obtain high-level government commitments to address the acidification challenge, and to marine managers and practitioners to begin more effectively managing our oceans for the threat of acidification. The Conservancy will also approach its local and regional partners to find support and seek ways to collaboratively implement policy and management activities recommended by the group.

More info: www.nature.org/pressroom/press/press3662.html