coral

A CORAL reef off Mission Beach has been named after a respected marine scientist in recognition of his pioneering research into crown-of-thorns starfish and ecotoxicology. Dr Robert “Bob” Endean was a fierce advocate for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and played a key role in the 1960s environmental movement, which led to the formation of the marine park authority in 1975. He was one of the first people to use scuba gear to dive on the Reef and spent more than 40 years working in the University of Queensland’s Zoology Department before retiring in 1990. “Bob was a leader in marine science and a key player in getting to where we are today in reef management,” said GBRMPA general manager Bruce Elliot. “Recognising and advocating the significant threat posed to coral ecology, Bob pioneered crown-of-thorns starfish research, and his research forms the basis of the work we are still doing today.” The reef was officially named by GBRMPA, the Royal Australian Navy’s Australian Hydrographic Office and the Queensland Government. Source: www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/marine-scientist-dr-bob...

This is so cool, I have been to the Dry Tortugas but went to Ft. Jefferson only...I did however see the Key with this lighthouse in the distance.

Not so enviromentally friendly was he?

Colin, Back in the 50's & 60's they pulled so much coral out of the reefs including live shells. Old US41 as well as A1A catered to the tourist back then. These corals and shells where a cheap and plentiful commodity and free for the taking! The "Shell Factory" in Ft Meyers, Florida played a huge role by taking from the reefs and shipped all over the world to gift shops looking for Nautical decor'. I was a child of the 1960's and remember every town up and down US41 had "Shell Shops". Kind of sad to think about by today's measure as our Florida reefs struggle to survive mans impact.

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepbackcabin] Hey thanks for the info, what you say is true for all coastal regions I suppose. Sad but true.

Valley Forge