Article

2021-07-25 Science & Technology

Maybe it's NOT Global Warming Killing Coral Reefs

[The Guardian] A virulent and fast-moving coral disease that has swept through the Caribbean could be linked to waste or ballast water from ships, according to research.

The deadly infection, known as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), was first identified in Florida in 2014, and has since moved through the region, causing great concern among scientists.
Wait. Global Climate Change started before 2014, right?
Scientists have not yet been able to determine whether the disease is caused by a virus, a bacterium, a chemical or some other infectious agent, but the peer-reviewed study in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science supports the theory that ballast water from ships may be involved. Conducted in the Bahamas by scientists at the Perry Institute for Marine Science, it found that SCTLD was more prevalent in reefs that were closer to the Bahamas’ main commercial ports, in Nassau and Grand Bahama, suggesting a likely link between the disease and ships.
I noticed a few years ago on a Bahamas trip that coral death was worse at the dock than a mile away. Just an anecdote, I know.
In 2017, the spread of deadly pathogens by ships when they discharge ballast water prompted the International Maritime Organization to implement the Ballast Water Management Convention, which requires that ships discharge their ballast water – used to maintain the ship's stability – 200 nautical miles from shore in water at least 200 metres deep before entering port, to ensure they do not bring in harmful foreign pathogens.
Suncreen, too. Just before COVID hit, we were directed to use "reef-safe" sunscreen. Real science is complicated.

Posted by Bobby 2021-07-25 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11136 views ] Top

#1 We allegedly have some of the best tap water in the US and I can't drink it. I'd say that's a factor.

Posted by M. Murcek 2021-07-25 00:45|| 2021-07-25 00:45|| Front Page Top

#2 This made me recall that ship's hulls are often coated with a chemical that reduces barnacle growth. Plus the seawater circulating as coolant is subject to barnacle and mussel growth. Some commercial cleaners are used to dissolve the barnacles and mussels when added to the cooling loop. The cleaners dissolve calcium. Coral is calcium-based. Where is this done; when docked? Just a thought, and correlates with observed coral kill patterns mentioned in the article.

Posted by Clump Spawn of the Ostrogoths4144 2021-07-25 10:03|| 2021-07-25 10:03|| Front Page Top

#3 I always liked The Works toilet biscuits. They are impossible to get since the COVID scam started...

Posted by M. Murcek 2021-07-25 11:10|| 2021-07-25 11:10|| Front Page Top

#4 ^^^
#Metootoiletbiscuits -quite tasty -you must have noticed how 'fresh' your breath is after the first bite mmmm goodness in every bite of

Posted by Squinty Cromoger8825 2021-07-25 21:02|| 2021-07-25 21:02|| Front Page Top

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