reefs

Native fish species have evolved over time to counter threats of bacteria, fungus, disease, and other native predatory species.  By adapting to the gradually changing environment, many of the species present today have became extremely robust in dealing with external pressures.  Until fairly recently though, native U.S. fish species have had little reason to adapt to the habits and threats of other species half way across the globe.  Now, with the addition of new species to U.S. waters, fish and plants have new challenges that they are not equipped to handle.

Coral reefs provide the world with goods and services worth US$375 billion annually, but scientists estimate that 70% of all corals reefs could be lost by 2050. Now a new initiative aims to conserve an astounding 83% of the world's coral species, aided by a US$20 million pledge by The Nature Conservancy.

Rise Up Sweet Island is the complete account of an amazing story about a small Bahamian 7 mile island that is fighting tooth and nail against a California megadevelopment. The island believes the development will destroy their coral reef and mangrove habitat...the dispute is currently in appeals in the Bahamian court system...