Coral reefs are recognized as the rainforests of the ocean. The coral reefs’ rich habitat complexity and species diversity support fisheries and tourism worldwide. However, recent natural and anthropogenic onslaughts have compromised the ecological integrity of these systems past their breaking point. Coral cover, a proxy measure for coral health, has dropped from 55 per cent in the 1970s to less than 5 per cent today.
Join Nigel Waltho, an instructor in the Department of Biology, as he explores some of the problems that have wreaked havoc on the coral reefs systems, and some of the grassroots efforts empowered to do something about it. Is it too little and too late for coral reefs? Only time will tell.
Where: Wild Oat Café at 817 Bank Street.
When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The free 20-minute discussion will be followed by a question and answer session. The Science Café series takes place every second Wednesday until April 24, 2013.
The Science Café series is organized by the Faculty of Science at Carleton University to discuss relevant issues facing our society and how science can help solve real-world problems. Meet some of our award-winning faculty members and graduate students as they share their excitement about science with the community. For more information, visit http://sciencecafe.carleton.ca/.
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For more information:
Chris Cline
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
christopher_cline@carleton.ca