With proof that biologists and animal husbandry managers do have a sense of humor, Moody Gardens launched its "Be a Reefer" initiative on 4/20 day, though they swear it was really timed to coincide with Earth Day.
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With proof that biologists and animal husbandry managers do have a sense of humor, Moody Gardens launched its "Be a Reefer" initiative on 4/20 day, though they swear it was really timed to coincide with Earth Day.
All giggles aside, what's with all this reefer talk? It turns out there's a mysterious, deadly bacteria known as stony coral tissue loss disease that's a killer when it comes to coral reefs. The fast-moving disease turns coral white and leaves nothing but a skeleton — far more serious than the coral bleaching we've been hearing about, where coral is weakened by rising water temperatures and ocean acidification.
The plague really sucks for aquatic invertebrates like jellyfish, lobsters and crabs, as well as for fish and sea turtles (coral provides food, shelter or both); it also is weakening Florida's defense system.
"So a lot of people don’t realize it. Coral reefs are a natural barrier for the land, [diffusing energy] from hurricanes and storms — especially for Florida with such a lower elevation," says Moody Gardens biologist Ryan Hannum. "But then also reefs are big hubs for the tourist industry. It drives the economy for coastal p