Section Letters & OpinionsAll perspectives expressed in this section are those of the individu- al author and do not necessarily reflect the views of X-RAY MAG, DiveGuru.Net, or their associates Hurricanes in the Caribbean, Tidal Waves in the South Pacific area, Terrorist attacks in the Red Edited by Millis Keegan Sea area. Is there even a safe place left for a dive?

Vacation! This is the time for you to forget your worries, relax and The recent bombings in popular dive Yes, unfortunately some countries are Q: I am going to Tanzania this summer, to enjoy yourself. Stay away from the news, that way there will be destinations in Egypt are upsetting. Egypt Amore prone to terrorist attacks. And study for ten weeks. Should I be concerned? is one of the most popular dive destina- Egypt (Sinai especially) right now at this Is there any registered terrorist activity no reminder of all the bad things happening in the world. Well in tions in the world, and we have received junction in time is such a country. There are there, and if so, what can I do to keep out these days, in these times, don’t! As part of your , a number of questions in the matter. active cells in the area that I don’t think of “the line of fire” so to speak. Marlene, Egyptian authorities have a complete check Uppsala, Sweden Here to address your worries is MAGNUS make it a habit to check in on the news and the weather. on. And, as someone said, lightning can strike NORELL, PhD and Director of the Center twice in the same place (and have, in the for the Study of Low-intensity Conflicts case of Egypt). But then again, it can hap- A few years ago Tanzania was being and Terrorism (CLIENT) and a Senior pen in London or Madrid as well. targeted, back in 1998. At the moment I I know what you are going through, from A Q I have a ticket to Sharm-El Sheikh a Analyst at the Swedish Defense Research The name of the game is terror, and it will assume Tanzania to be “safe”. However, personal experience, and so does a friend week from now. Vacation is approved, the can strike any time, anywhere. I am sorry to there are reasons to be cautious in general, of mine that faced the same decision, in Agency. dive bag is packed, passport and money, say, there are no telltale signs to speak off. I but seeing that you are going to study, you April 2000, after the kidnapping and killings all ready to go, but my mind is not. In the only wish… It has happened on a few occa- should be safe. of tourists in Malaysia. He went ahead and Q: Is there anything I can do to protect lights of recent events in Dahab (April 2006) sions in Israel that guards became suspicious Of course there are Islamists in Eastern made his trip, with the reasoning that light- myself and help my chances of not being a I must admit I am scared. I go over the of people wearing clothes to warm for the Africa as well, but as far as I know, no nation- ning doesn’t strike twice at the same loca- victim of a terrorist attack? Johnny, Florida bombings in my mind, over and over again. weather, in order to cover up a bomb vest, al government has assessed Tanzania as tion. He later found out that lightning does I can’t even begin to understand how the especially dangerous. strike twice, but that’s another story. Check but it is not at all common. families of the victims feel, or the survivors. A Q: Are there dive places or countries that are http://travel.state.gov/ for travel advice week ago I was dead certain that I would more dangerous and more prone to terrorist As for the kind of terrorism we witnessed in -- and travel warnings. not let some bleeping terrorists rule my life. attacks? The Dive Hippies Egypt (namely Islamic terrorism), they do very If we let their terror rule our life and make us often target ‘non-combatants’ for example The Diveguru: Thank you Magnus Norell. alter our plans, they win. Right? It’s so easy DON’T LET TERRORISM DICTATE YOUR LIFE I Q: Is Egypt an especially bad choice for a tourists as they consider them to be ‘a bad And on a finishing note, there are measures to be brave on your couch in the safety of say don’t let terrorism dictate your life! I am dive trip? Lotta, Stockholm, Sweden influence’ (spreading western ‘corruption’ and you should take; making a risk assessment is your home. Now that I’m actually holding a not going to let any stupid suicide bombers so forth) in their home countries. The same one of them, and something you as a diver kind of motivation lay for example behind the ticket to Egypt in my hand, all my certainty intimate me. I say we all make a commit- Q: Will it help to be more observant? I mean, already should do as part of your dive plan. and bravery is floating away in a wave of ment not to change our plans because of bombings on Bali. It deserves to be pointed When traveling, always leave your travel will a suicide bomber show any tell-tale signs, out that these are views not shared by most cowardice. Part of me wants to cancel the terrorist threats. Mikael / Gdansk, Poland like extra bulky clothes, or carrying unnatu- itinerary with a friend or with family. When trip; another part of me says to stay with my Egyptians! traveling to countries that have a higher risk rally big bags (this must be a stupid question, I don’t think Egypt is ‘an especially bad conviction. Should I go? Jenny / Odense, in a back packer place like the Sinai every- of terrorism than others, also contact your Denmark Big words in a small world, and quite a choice’; there are risks but at the same time embassy before you go and ask if they want statement. Although I agree with you in one carries big bags). Or do they wear like a the Egyptians are fully aware of the impor- secret tattoo or badge, or scarf that proves your name and travel information as well. This is one tough decision you have to theory, it is not that easy, as Jenny from tance that the tourist trade have, and they It won’t help you prevent an attack, but it Denmark quite accurately points out. This they belong to some secret organization of are therefore prepared ‘to go the x-tra mile’ Amake, and as much as I would like suicide bombers? Lena, Gothenburg, helps the authorities in the aftermath of an to help you out on this one, I has to be a personal decision and should to protect people (it’s not like the police and Sweden event. am sorry to say, you have be made without from anyone. security are just sitting around waiting for to make it alone. the next attack). No 100% guarantees though! What do you think? When traveling, always leave your travel Get heard! Send us you opinion to [email protected] by July PETER SYMES itinerary with a friend or with family. 1 2006 and get a chance to win these exquisite Silver Hammerhead Cufflinks generously sponsored by ReefJewellery. ( See more details next page) 39 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Hurricane Season is near ONE INDUSTRY. ONE SHOW. ONE MAGICAL LOCATION. Do we even care any more?

Rising ocean , urban and agriculture run-offs, evidence of Prozac, estrogen, the ever popular anti-bacte- rial soap and other chemicals have been detected in and the oceans and around our reefs. The environmental stress makes it harder and harder for the reefs to recover.

This year entire colonies have Caption died all over the Caribbean area, leaving ghostly white Planning a dive trip to the your cell phone dry and battery skeletons of once colorful Caribbean this year? Florida, charged, as that might be your behind. It’s an unprecedented Mexico, Belize? Hurricane Season only way to communicate with die-off, never seen before. is here, be ready. Check the your family for a while. weather report regularly during Locals have enough to worry Are we to blame? Do we even your stay and do not ignore hur- about in the aftermath of a hur- care any more? We want your ricane warnings. You have to ricane, taking care of ignorant opinion. prepare for loss of drinking water, tourists should not have to be part and food for a long time. For how of that job. Listen to the authori- DEMA long depends on where you are, ties and follow their recommen- About the DiveGurus since some countries have bet- dations, before and after. DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF DEMA SHOW! ter infra-structure than others, but Millis Keegan, owner and found- DEMA Show 2006 is the ONLY international trade event for diving, drinking water and Non-perisha- Evacuate any coastal areas. er of www.diveguru.net, the adventure travel and action water sports professionals—creating an ble food for a minimum of a week Hurricanes can flip cars and homepage that answers questions exclusive environment focused on addressing every possible need you even in the best of countries is mobile homes up-side down, tear for divers, snorkelers, anyone with have as a dive retailer or instructor. a love for our oceans is a new recommended. Make sure you walls and roofs off a building, and member of X-Ray magazine. With CONNECT with 600+ companies gathered in one global have cash, can opener, matches bury a house in sand up to the the help of reputable experts www. BUSINESS marketplace—see, demo and buy virtually every product, or a lighter with you, as those ceiling. Do not make the mistake diveguru.net will find the answer. service and technology you need to stay competitive items can be hard to find.. Keep of thinking you can sit one out. HAVE FUN while networking with more than 10,000 industry PLEASURE professionals during the show and at the industry’s biggest This month’s sponsored prize social event, the DEMA Awards Party

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40 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEWPOINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF X-RAY MAG. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED BY X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTEED. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS’ DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED Tusa FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE. LINKS ARE ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION Why be con- POINT & CLICK ventional? Who ON BOLD LINKS said that can’t be fashionable? Check out Tusa’s Gotta have it new colour com- Edited by binations Andrey Bizuykin www.tusa.com & Peter Symes Equipment Dive data logging Sensus Ultra is ReefNet’s third- Halcyon generation dive data logging The new Evolve dual cylinder wing device – and still a simple and owes its design to Halcyon’s success- convenient tool for collecting ful Eclipse circular bladder single-tank Oceanic VT3 detailed data. Inside wing, allowing for precise control The VT3 is Oceanic’s next its diminutive size (1” x 1.3” x of in-water and trim. generation 1.75”) are a sophisticated sen- Horizontal trim is easily accomplished combines design and technol- sor, flash memory and processor through the addition of lift at the ogy with ease of use and cus- capable of storing 1500 hours of base of the cylinders. Gas trapping tomization, allowing the user dive data with a 10 second sam- on one side or the other of the to focus on what’s important, pling interval. Reefnet.ca wing is virtually eliminated. diving. With Oceanic’s wireless The Evolve wing inte- transmitter, can also grates seamlessly monitor gas pressure from up to with Halcyon’s three independent cylinders – existing line of ideal for both MC systems, applications and recreational and is avail- diving with our new Buddy able in 40 lbs. Pressure Check feature. The (18 kg), and Oceanic VT3 can be switched 60 lbs. (27 kg) during the dive between up lift capacities, to three different mixes either individual- containing 21-100% . ly, or as part of www.oceanicworldwide.com their complete MC System. www.halcyon.net DUI So drysuits are meant to go with cool water. Well, think again. The 30/30 Tropical drysuit from DUI is meant to go with colourful fish. Available from June 2006 this model comes with Blackwave a shoulder-entry zipper and slim fit Blackwave Dive Assistant is the complete Pocket PC designed to be worn with light insula- and PC tool for logging, planning and managing your tion. Comes with suspenders, latex dives, as well as keeping track of your dive kit, qualifi- ankle seals with protective cuffs and cations and other diving information. Download and valves from try a copy from: www.dui-online.com www.blackwave.com.

41 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Noisemaker Ralftech How do you get your buddy’s atten- The Travelight from tion, or help from others? The Ralftech must be the Give ReefNet’s new “H2YO” a shake to lightest buoyancy emit a loud and distinctive rattle that compensator on the can be heard at great distances under- world market today. water. To make sure you sound unique, Depending on size it H2YO is offered with two sounds: only weighs in at 1,9 * Rattle - several balls inside to 2,4 kg depending * Clank - one large ball inside on sizes. It is also sim- reefnet.ca ple as there are no rigid parts, so it can quite easily be rolled up into a small pouch for travelling. www.ralftech.com DEALERS WANTED Nocturnal Lights Redtech The new SLX LED from Nocturnal Slovenia based RedTech have put on the Light combines a 5500k beam with a 4 hour market a series of high end buoyancy com- duration on a set of 6 AA batteries, making pensators, suitable for technical and more it well suited for photographers and techni- demanding . The inno- cal divers. Simply add a light diffuser and the vative Quick Slide System (patent pend- ball joint adapter to the handle and you’ll ing) – provides a safe and easy way of have an auto focus assist light. Because the adjusting and securing straps, which bulbs used do not generate too much heat, enables easy and quick donning. it can also be used as a flashlight above One of the original unique aspects of water, making it a great all-around dive light the RedTech system is the complete for all kinds of divers. The batteries which will modularity of the system enabling easily last several regular dives can be easily the diver to build a personalized replaced between dives. configuration that will meet his or www.nocturnallights.com her exact needs and ideas 2x www.redtech.hr Mares Demon mask known for it wide field of vision and soft skirt which makes is very comfortable to wear for long durations will now be available in new colours clear/blue and clear/yellow. Scuba Hides Three additional colours will be availa- Scuba Hides can trans- ble in early September. Avanti Excel full form a tank into a bill- foot fin is an offspring of the acclaimed board only your poten- Avanti Quattro Excel open heel and tial customers, and other will be available in June in colours Blue divers will see. With lay- and Yellow. www.mares.com out and color choices as limitless as your imagi- nation, your message will be heard loud and clear. As Scuba Hides will be used and seen by divers, they offer a unique target marketing opportunity to anyone in the diving industry

www.scubahides.com

42 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Cis-Lunar Returns Why be dull? When Cis-Lunar launched the legendary MK Mouthpieces in Lego-colours from Apex can V back in 1998 it was state-of-the- either liven up your diving day, or help art, fully automatic and built for ultra long dives with you locate your kit on the drying rack the safety and ruggedness necessary for advanced on the . www.apeks.co.uk cave exploration was available. A little over 100 units were built and most are still in use. The dot. com crash in the early 2000 stopped the Cis- Lunar from financing serial production and that seemed to be the end of it. But now Cis-Lunar is teaming up with a Swedish industrial group, DP Scandinavia, based in Marstrand, to commercialize underwater technology developed by it’s inventor Dr Bill Stone and his team.

Polespear Free diving legend Manny Puig stands behind the intro- duction of perhaps the finest a depth of 60 meter. Small polespear on the market. The enough to even be carried in a modular three piece pole-spear is Aunoc pouch on a bcd strap this is a handy constructed from thickwalled 6061T6 Believe it or not, this little cool emergency backup light request. anodized aluminum. The use of pole- baby with the intense output is - with Powered by a Lithium battery and spears for under water hunting differ its 3 inches in length - only the size sealed by a single o-ring. Lamp is from that of because our of a lipstick. Yet, thanks to its sturdy switched on and off by simply twist- arms can only hold so much band construction in hard anodised alu- ing the lamphead. pressure and our muscles tire quickly. minum alloy 6061, it is rated to www.aunoc.com Where a polespear can make up for its shortcomings is by providing a blow with more mass and momentum at close quarters Oceanic Versa Pro revision 2A button is depressed to activate Consumers should immedi- than a traditional spear flung Digital Dive Computers. While the unit, it is held depressed ately discontinue further use of operating in the User Selected until the Diagnostic Mode Versa Pro 2A Dive Computers from a . A stream- Digital Gauge Mode, displayed screen completes its countdown for User Selected Digital Gauge lined and stiff design is crucial Elapsed Dive Time can be in and the Serial Number screen Mode operation (as a Depth in the rendition of a more excess of actual elapsed time. appears displaying the module’s Gauge/Timer) and take it to any striking and accurate blow at Oceanic has received a report SN and software firmware revision Authorized Oceanic Dealer, or prey in close range where the of two Versa Pro revision 2A units (r2A). The unit will shut Off when return it directly to the factory higher mass, or “backbone” Oceanic Worldwide that experienced the offset time released. for an Upgrade to Versa Pro revi- as we call it, delivers a strik- Announces Voluntary displayed while operating in User Authorized Oceanic dealers sion 2B. Should you have any ing blow at even large fish. In Recall of Versa Pro revi- Selected Digital Gauge Mode. sold Versa Pro 2A modules, that questions, please contact our developing the Manny Puig No injuries have been reported. were manufactured between toll free Recall Helpline at (888) sion 2A Dive Computers Polespear all these principles Oceanic Versa Pro 2A Dive March 21, 2003, and February 7, 854-4960 or locally at (510) 562- Computers subject to the recall 2005, in wrist and console mount 0500 between 8 am and 5 pm were kept in mind with the In cooperation with the U.S. are only the revision 2A units configuration during March 2003 Monday through Friday Pacific aim of keeping it versatile Consumer Product Safety which have serial numbers 12000 through April 2006 for between Time. enough for small and medium Commission (CPSC), Oceanic through 18176 which is located $429 to $639, depending on the fish and with the necessary Worldwide of San Leandro, on the side of the module and configuration with other instru- characteristics to take down California, is voluntarily recalling can be viewed if after the front ments. www.oceanicworldwide.com big fish. www.omersub.com

43 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Poseidon underwear pressrelease Poseidon will deliver a base layer underwear with all stand- ard Jetsuit TNG Technica and Unisuit Exclusives at no extra Poseidon to cost. This means that we will give the divers the start kit to a total system for isolation under water. The layer closest be acquired to the body is the base layer which helps to wick moisture away from the body so that you stay dry by DP and warm. The outer layer is the protection against the outside Scandinavia. environment and the cold. In this case it is the suit. This part A Letter of Intent has of the system is what you get been signed with regard when you buy a Poseidon suit. to the acquisition of The base layer with the suit is Poseidon Industri AB by DP the minimum you should wear Scandinavia AB. The take- at all dives. In addition to this over date is planned for you can add the heat layer that June 30th 2006. consists of three parts (sold as a kit). A pair of trousers, a zipped Poseidon Industri AB sweater and a zipped west. This Poseidon was founded gives the diver total flexibility to 1958 to manufacture div- adapt to the situation and his ing equipment for the own preferences. rapidly growing diving www.poseidon.se industry. The company has ever since been a tech- nology leader in the world Six Gill diving industry with the first The Six Gill fin is Deepoutdoor’s bid for single-hose regulator, the the next step in the evolution of dive wet suit and the . fines. The gills expands during kicks Manufacturing and to create a pump action and on the operation is located out- downstroke they create a vortex that side Gothenburg, Sweden. channels water off the blade. The For further information, scoop on the front expands during contact; during upstroke and contracts dur- Stefan Jennefalk ing downstroke reducing resistance. [email protected] 3rd impulse The short blade is also reef-freindly + 46 (0)31 734 2900 Since Aqua Lung introduced the first www.deepoutdoors.com IMPULSE in 1989, it has been DP Scandinavia AB the best selling snorkel in the world. DP Scandinavia is located Today, after continued refinement in Marstrand on the west and evolution, the Impulse 3 is coast of Sweden. The more streamlined and produces company hasrecently a higher performance than its acquired all rights to predecessors Cis-Lunar Closed Circuit www.aqualung.com Rebreather and related technology. For further information, contact; Kurt Sjoblom [email protected] +46 (0)303 248540

44 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Softcoral, Asia Nephtheidae Ecology family

Can tropical stony Edited by corals adapt to Michael Arvedlund, PhD bleaching? ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUNILD AND PETER SYMES Coral

Corals are animals with unicellular yellow-brown algae called zooxanthellae living symbiotically within their tissue. It is the nutrients supplied by the zooxanthellae in the form of photosynthetic products that make it possible for the corals to grow and reproduce quickly enough to create reefs. In turn, the coral provides protection and access to light for the zooxanthellae. These coral polyps of the Goniopora family are Bleaching individual animals in a colony who filter the water for food particles

You may have heard photosynthesis. However, this rela- Coral bleaching can have Can corals adapt? or read about it – coral tionship can only exist at tempera- many causes Some researchers, such as the tures above 18°C. and below 31°C. Coral bleaching is a phenomenon two world famous scientists, bleaching is happening with When very hot summers occurs, and that can be caused by a lot of Daphne Gail Fautin and Robert W. an increasing frequency in they do with a fast increasing fre- different factors that stresses the Buddemeier introduced in the nine- tropical areas. Worst was quency, the zooxanthellae instead coral. It can be caused by different ties a hypothesis called “adaptive the global bleaching event produces something called “super kinds of pollutants or by an eleva- coral bleaching.” This hypothesis oxygen”, that is oxygen with extra tion of the average in builds on the assumption that an in 1998. And energetic levels donated by elec- the specific habitats or microhabi- adaptation by the coral to the researchers are now fearful- trons. This is poisonous for the coral. tats. But in all cases it is caused by new conditions (the elevation of ly awaiting the next bleach- Therefore the coral rejects the cell changes in the surrounding milieu the temperature) has taken place ing event. Will it be just as with the zooxanthellae. Thereby the that stresses biological ecosystems through symbiotic adaptation with coral looses the green and brown as the subtropical and tropical zooxanthellae that are able to resist devastating as the 1998 colour nuances from the zooxan- coral reefs. the increase in temperature, by one? thellae, and looks “bleached”. which the host coral avoid to be Temperature poisoned by super oxygen. But what is coral bleaching actu- Especially phenomenons ally? No, it is not mum that has stint- that include temperature Adaptive bleaching ed bleach over the lovely colourful elevations as the green- The adaptive bleaching hypothesis tropical corals….although it looks house effect and El Nino (ABH) is based on lots of observa- like it. The explanation is quite differ- have been discussed in tions in the field. Professor Daphne ent. Normally, tropical shallow-water details through the last Gail Fautin and Professor Robert stony corals only exist to dept’s years. Such phenom- W. Buddemeier have worked out where sunlight is able to reach. This enons have involved a a generalized conclusion on their is because they contain in their tis- general decrease in the qualitative description of the ABH, sue a specialized kind of brown coral reefs of subtropi- in light of the existing field observa- algae called zooxanthellae. These cal and tropical regions. tions and data. The conclusion of algae are crucial for the survival of Calculations have shown this qualitative description of adap- the coral. that if such conditions are tive bleaching is that the coral- Text by Tyge Dahl Hermansen, The coral is supplied with nutrients maintained, all coral reefs zooxanthellae symbiosis is able to Michael Arvedlund & Peter Symes from these zooxanthellae. They pro- will become extinct in the make a dynamic response to the duce energy and nutrients through Microscope photo of zooxanthellae algae, year 2050. environment. Photos by Peter Symes Courtesy of NOAA

45 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Softcoral Red sea Nephtheidae family Zooxanthellae of various corals have been found to belong to at least 10 different algal taxa. Curiously, zooxanthellae found in closely related coral species are not necessarily closely related themselves, and zooxanthellae found in dis- tantly related coral species may, in fact, be closely related

“It turns out that there is information that cor- “Clearly, there are limits als and their symbionts to acclimatory processes may be capable of accli- that can counter coral matization and selective bleaching” adaptation to elevated tem- peratures that have already resulted in bleaching resist- ant coral populations.”

Evidence of adaptations and adaptive shifts in their popula- conditions that have induced coral In a recent science review, the coral tions at higher temperatures. Such bleaching. reef researchers Stephen L. Coles mechanisms, when considered in and Barbara Brown have summa- conjunction with experimental and LImits rized the existing evidence for adap- observational evidence for coral Stephen L. Coles and Barbara Brown tive coral bleaching. “It turns out recovery in areas that have under- continues: “Clearly, there are limits that there is information that corals gone coral bleaching, suggest an to acclimatory processes that can and their symbionts may be capa- as yet undefined capacity in cor- counter coral bleaching resulting ble of acclimatization and selective als and zooxanthellae to adapt to from elevated sea temperatures, adaptation to elevated tempera- but scientific models will not accu- tures that have already resulted in rately predict the fate of reef corals bleaching resistant coral popula- until we have a better understand- tions, both locally and regionally, in ing of coral–algal acclimatization/ various areas of the world.” adaptation potential. Research is particularly needed with respect Mechanisms to the molecular and physiological There are possible mechanisms mechanisms that promote thermal that might provide resistance and tolerance in corals and zooxanthel- protection to increased tempera- lae and identification of genetic ture and light. These include induc- characteristics responsible for the ible heat shock proteins that act in variety of responses that occur in a refolding denatured cellular and coral bleaching event. Only then will structural proteins, production of we have some idea of the nature oxidative enzymes that inactivate of likely responses, the timescales harmful oxygen radicals, fluorescent involved and the role of ‘experi- coral pigments that both reflect and dissipate light energy, and pheno- When corals bleach they commonly typic adaptations of zooxanthellae lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae and each zooxanthella may lose 50-80% of PETER SYMES

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE its photosynthetic pigments 46 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED USGS ecology Coral Bleaching to cooler areas as they warm, ence’ in modifying bleaching tolerate higher temperatures. thereby changing the distribu- impact.” As described elsewhere in this tion of species creating new issue (see page 6, “Corals may reefs further from the equator The Future survive global warming by However, this is also likely to be If global temperatures rise as gorging themselves”) some spe- a very slow process and as there predicted by the cli- cies will be better at adapting are other ecosystems already mate models, water tempera- to changes than others. Also, in place elsewhere the whole tures in 100 years will be much different colonies of the same picture becomes quite complex greater than those that cause coral species may respond to and unpredictable. But because bleaching now. Consequently thermal stress differently. If only the cooler areas warm, these corals would need to accli- the most temperature-toler- warm adapted species gain an matise continually to survive. ant corals survive a bleaching Bleached corals off Hawaii. Porites spp extra advantage in advance. However, most research indi- episode, the offspring from But only the future will show if cates that acclimatisation is those corals might be on aver- have never been estimated. the almost 800 species of reef such settlements will succeed. limited and unlikely to allow age more temperature-tolerant building corals can change the corals to adapt in due time. than the previous generation. Replacing the algae type of dominant zooxanthel- Recovery to the predicted rise in water Again, there will be limited Corals can host several types lae or, indeed, what stimulates There has been short-term temperatures. how high the temperature can of zooxanthellae in their tissues. the change. recovery of coral reefs after rise before corals reach the limits Another possible adaption to However, results from the bleaching events. When a reef Natural selection of of survival, and thereby their warmer conditions could be laboratory shows that some is only slightly stressed, a few A second process by which possibilities of adaptation. This changing the dominant type of corals can adapt to the heat scattered corals will die, and the coral populations could adapt would invariably also lead to zooxanthellae within their tis- resistant types of zooxanthellae effect will be barely noticeable. to new conditions is by natu- extinction of species. Such ad- sues. Corals with a certain type under artificial circumstances. When a reef has been exposed ral selection. This results in a aptations are thought to occur of zooxanthellae can tolerate Increased temperature toler- to prolonged heating, most cor- gradual change in the tem- slowly, over several generations up to 1.5°C higher temperatures ance may also come at a cost. als will die, and it can take many perature-tolerance of the (with most corals having genera- than corals of the same species For example it has been ob- years for the area to recover, population through the elimina- tion times of at least 5-10 years), without that type. served that juvenile corals with in particular if large, old corals tion of the corals that cannot but potential rates of adaptation It is not known how many of heat-tolerant zooxanthellae have been killed. grow up to three times slower The long-term recovery of than those with a different reefs from bleaching will de- zooxanthellae type. The type pend on the frequency of of zooxanthellae that occurs in bleaching events. If bleaching the corals may also affect other becomes more frequent reefs aspects of coral health. may change greatly in charac- It is possible that a combina- ter. Unless there is a greater ca- tion of natural selection and pacity for adaptation in corals switching of zooxanthellae than scientists currently believe may help corals cope with to be likely, today’s diverse climate changes. Faster rates of community of corals may be change are possible for zoox- replaced by a smaller number anthellae than for the coral of tolerant species. Or worse still, because the algae have much replaced by completely differ- shorter generation times ent and less diverse ecosystems such as dense algae cover Moving Some vulnerable coral species A third process is one in which may come to be found only in larvae from warm-adapted cooler areas. ■ coral populations may disperse

Coral polyps

PETER SYMES Tubastraea spp 47 X-RAY MAG : 11 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Student Study in the Bahamas Java Sharks shark tales An exciting new study hosted by the CCU’s Costal Carolina University study-abroad scheme will allow its Now in the Med students at a cost of US $2000 dollars per head. To par- ticipate in a series