United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Administration And
Resources Management
(3404)
United Nations
Environment
Programme
CARIBBEAN
CURRENTS
Volume 5, Number 1
January 1997
EPA/220/N-97-001o
Welcome.
PVEP
...to CARIBBEAN CURRENTS, Volume Five, Number One. This
newsletter is edited by INFOTERRA/USA in its capacity as the
Regional Service Centre (RSC) for INFOTERRA National Focal Points
(NFPs) in the English and French-speaking Caribbean. Although the
CURRENTS is assembled at INFOTERRA/USA, the content belongs to
you, the readers. You are encouraged to send in any questions,
comments, problems, or interesting issues relevant to the Region for
inclusion in the CURRENTS. Please see the Guidelines for
Contributions on page 4 for more information.
Each issue will feature a Directory of NFPs in the Region so that
anyone with international environmental questions can contact their
nearest resource. Please feel free to contact one another as well as
your RSC for assistance or materials.
Please don't hesitate to share CARIBBEAN CURRENTS with your
friends and colleagues, and to make copies as needed. The Currents
should serve as an informational forum for anyone who lives, works,
or is involved in environmental issues in the English and French-
speaking Caribbean Region.
this issue's topic is coral reefs. Coral reefs are a valuable resource, for food, tourism, coastal protection,
and biodiversity in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the worlds' coral reefs are declining and changing in
composition. The reasons that coral reefs change their equilibrium are varied and complex, and include
destructive fishing practices, diminished water quality and elevated water surface temperature. Scientists
around the world are studying this phenomenon.
The next issue of CARIBBEAN CURRENTS will look at cco-tourism As travellers explore the
natural attractions of the developing world, they may contribute to "sustainable development," which
means development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet theirs" (1987 Brundtland Commission). Or. tourism can damage the natural ecology.
If you have any comments on this topic, or would like to contribute a short article or have a resources
guide to share, please submit your contribution following the guidelines on page 4. Please feel free to
fax, write to, or call the RSC with any questions or comments you have. Share information you have and
we will include it in the next or a future issue of CURRENTS. Thank you for your assistance.
CORAL REEFS
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Administration And
Resources Management
(3404)
United Nations
Environment
Programme
CARIBBEAN
CURRENTS
Volume 5, Number 1
January 1997
EPA/220/N-97-001o
Welcome...
...to CARIBBEAN CURRENTS, Volume Five, Number One. This
newsletter is edited by INFOTERRA/USA in its capacity as the
Regional Service Centre (RSC) for INFOTERRA National Focal Points
(NFPs) in the English and French-speaking Caribbean. Although the
CURRENTS is assembled at INFOTERRA/USA, the content belongs to
you, the readers. You are encouraged to send in any questions,
comments, problems, or interesting issues relevant to the Region for
inclusion in the CURRENTS. Please see the Guidelines for
Contributions on page 4 for more information.
Each issue will feature a Directory of NFPs in the Region so that
anyone with international environmental questions can contact their
nearest resource. Please feel free to contact one another as well as
your RSC for assistance or materials.
Please don't hesitate to share CARIBBEAN CURRENTS with your
friends and colleagues, and to make copies as needed. The Currents
should serve as an informational forum for anyone who lives, works,
or is involved in environmental issues in the English and French-
speaking Caribbean Region.
CO
Ou-

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<3>
CORAL REEFS
this issue's topic is coral reefs. Coral reefs are a valuable resource, for food, tourism, coastal protection,
and biodiversity in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the worlds' coral reefs are declining and changing in
composition. The reasons that coral reefs change their equilibrium are varied and complex, and include
destructive fishing practices, diminished water quality and elevated water surface temperature. Scientists
around the world are studying this phenomenon.
C:j>
fXl
> The next issue of CARIBBEAN CURRENTS will look at cco-tourism As travellers explore the
". natural attractions of the developing world, they may contribute to "sustainable development," which
, ....means development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet theirs" (1987 Brundtland Commission). Or. tourism can damage the natural ecology.
*¦> .=
fr i
-If you have any comments on this topic, or would like to contribute a short article or have a resources
v^uide to share, please submit your contribution following the guidelines on page 4. Please feel free to
*v fax, write to, or call the RSC with any questions or comments you have. Share information you have and
" we will include it in the next or a future issue of CURRENTS. Thank you for your assistance.
-1-

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CORALREEFS
Recognizing the Significance of Biodiversity
By Ken Potts, E.P.A., Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
The interaction between humans and coral reef systems has a long history. Reef fisheries have
been an important food source. The reef tracts and associated communities of mangroves and
seagrasses protect shorelines from erosion, by reducing wave energy. Reefs also provide the sands for
beaches as they breakdown. Corals have provided building materials for homes. Corals have even
served as currency. However, current interactions have placed increased pressure upon these
ecosystems. We are witnessing the declining health and loss of these valuable ecosystems. These
impacts are especially evident on near-shore reefs which are exposed to population centers.
Conservation of these biologically rich and valuable areas calls for an increased awareness of
management; one that is based upon public education and sustainable use techniques that originate at the
community level.
Many Caribbean reefs, as well as reefs worldwide, arc under increasing stress. The links between
human activity and the health of coastal waters are well documented. Overfishing and increased
sedimentation from poor land use management practices, combined with pollutant loads from a variety of
sources have had dramatic impacts on some reef tracts. Some of the more beautiful and accessible reef
sites have been damaged by recreational users. The physical contact from inexperienced divers, boats
and anchors, leave long term impacts which are slow to recover, especially in the presence of other
stressors.
The cumulative effect from combined stress leads to an overall decrease in species richness.
Species richness, or the diversity of plants and animals, provide a reservoir to draw on and repair
damage. As the diversity of plants and animals decrease, the ability of the reef to recover from an
impact, natural or anthropogenic, also declines.
The importance of biological diversity has received increased attention over the last several years.
Iin 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development identified coral reefs and the
associated communities of mangroves and seagrasses as areas of high biodiversity which should be
accorded special protection. It is significant to note that the majority of early ratifiers to this convention
were small island states.
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICR!) evolved from the UN conference and has focused
global attention on the need for conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems.
An ICRI workshop was held on St.Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, on May 24-25. 1995. to identify and
facilitate coral reef management priorities.
The establishment of marine sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) has been an
important step in ecosystem management. There are numerous examples of established MPA's,
throughout the Caribbean. Some of them also include a terrestrial component, eg. National Park Cabrits
(Dominica) or Soufriere Marine Management Area (St. Lucia). Healthy coastal waters are usually
associated with healthy coastal lands. The proposed Port Antonio Marine Park, in Jamaica is an
excellent example of the use of fishery reserves to establish breeding stocks directed toward sustainable
fisheries. The Florida Keys National"Marine Sanctuary achieves a balance between economic growth
and protection of the marine environment. However, it should be noted that some two-thirds of these
MPA's do not meet the objectives for which they were established.
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Coral reef ecosystems are vital centers of biological diversity. It is imperative that we develop
effective management approaches that are scientifically based, that have community support and that
emphasize ecosystem sustainability. The decline of Caribbean corals will have tremendous social and
economic impacts on communities through loss of food resources. Even larger effects on the lucrative
tourism and fishing industries can be expected, unless effective coastal zone management practices are
implemented; these entail the development of sustainable fisheries, the minimization of pollutant loads,
and the proper management and support of marine protected areas. Effective coastal zone
management is needed to protect these important resources.
The U.S. EPA is drafting a framework document for local managers directed toward a watershed
protection for coral ecosystems. This document will be available to community planners of island
nations through EPA's Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, Mail Code 4504F, 401 M Street S.W.,
Washington, DC 20460, Ken Potts, telephone: (202) 260-7893, FAX: (202) 260-9920
INTERNET SITES ON CORAL REEFS
A few ofmany sources of electronic information on coral reefs.
Coral Reef Protection-U.S, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/coral
Features information on EPA's activities in coral conservation, and a link to the International Coral Reef Initiative ftp site,
with access to a workshop summary that was held in May, 1995. In addition, there are links to the EPA Office of Water.
Caribbean Coastal Zone Management Bibliography—Island Resources Foundation
http://www.irf.org
A list of references for coastal zone policy makers, planners and managers that reflect issues and practices in the Wider
Caribbean. The site also features a partial library catalog of island-specific environmental documents, currently available on
diskette, with future Internet access planned.
Coral Health and Monitoring Program—Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://coraLaoml.noaa.gov
This site features a wealth of information, including an International Coral Reef Initiative chronology, coral health related
literature abstracts, an online coral researchers directory, links to other coral related home pages, and NODC oceanographic
data from selected coral reef areas.
Coral Forest—San Francbco, CA
http://www. blacktop.com/coralforest
Coral Forest is a non-profit organization involved in protecting coral reef systems through education and action. The page is
geared towards the general public, but features "Coral Reefs", a directory information on coral reefs and related
environmental groups.
Coral Reef Alliance-Berkeley, CA
http://www.coral.org
This non-profit organization focuses on educating divers and the public on the coral reef destruction and conservation.
Features a directors' of non-profit organizations, research institutes, and businesses involved in reef conservation.
Coral Reefs and Mangroves: Modelling and Management-Australian Institute of Marine Science
http://lbni590.ainis.gav.au
This site describes a three-year study sponsored by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the IBM International
Foundation. Its main objective was to improve the management of coral reef and mangrove habitats. There are links to other
related web sites, as well access to publications on work completed during the projects - some of which are full text.
World Conservation Monitoring Center-Reefbase
http://www.wcnK.org.uk/data/databaie/rrelbase.bOnl
Features Reefbase, g global database released July. 1996, that provides information on management status, ecological
zonation, fisheries and other human uses of reefs for about 6000 coral reefs. Also tells who to contact for more information.

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Conner&ru>e^ orv CorcCL H&efy
April 3-6,1997- Third Internationa/ Ocean Pollution Symposium - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Fort
Pierce, Florida. Contact: Susan Costilow, Conference Coordinator, J. Steward Johnson Marine Education and Conference
Center,HarborBranchOceanographic Institution, 5600U.S.lNorth,FortPierce.FL 34946, Fax: 407-465-5743.
July 13-19,1991—8th Pacific Science Association (PSA) and 1997 Annual Meeting of the International Society for Reef
Studies- Suva Fiji. This joint synunposium is one of the major scientific events during the International Year of the Rerf.
Contact: VIII Pacific Science Association biter-Congress Secretariat, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, The University of
the SouthPacific, P.O. Box 1168, Suva, FUi Islands, E-Mail: psa@usp.ac.fj (best means of communication), Fax: (679) 314007,
Web site: www.usp.ac.fj/~psa
July 20-26,1997 —Coastal Zone 97-Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston MA The 10th in a series of biennial international
conferences on coastal and ocean management. Contact. Mr. Gaiy Magnuson, NOAA, National Ocean Service, 1305 East
WestHwyN/EA, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Fax: (301) 713-4263, E-mail: gmagnuson@ocean.nos.noaa.gov
September 22-26,1997-Latin American Congress on Marine Sciences -San Paulo, Brazil. Contact: VIICOLACMAR
Organizing Committee, Silvia Helena de Mello, Insituto Oceanographico da U ni versidade de Sao Paulo, Praca do
Oceanografico, 191 CidadeUniversitaria,Butanta05508-900, San Paulo, SPBrazil
Year 2000—9th International Cora! Reef Symposium- Bali, Indonesia		
V;
THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OFTHE REEF
1997 is The International Year of the Reef (IYOR). Scientists and environmental groups will take on IYOR activities (http-i/
coral.cea.edu/IYOR/): (1) planning programs of public education and outreach, (2) assessing the conditions of reefs worldwide, (3)
collaborating with governments to develop/implement plans for the sustainable use of reef resources.
Among many planned exhibits: the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's bilingual traveling exhibit "Nuestros Arrccifes/Unidos
por el Caribe; Our Reefs/Caribbean Connections." It will be displayed the first three months of 1997 at Miami International Airport,
Concourse E. In April, it will begin travelling throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
For more information, contact either Public Aware Committee, Stephen Colwell. The Coral Reef Alliance, 64 Shattuck Square,
Suite 220, Berkeley, CA 94704, tel: (510) 848-0110, fax: (510) 848-3720, e-mail: IYOR1997@aol.com; or Scientific Program, Robert
Ginsburg, Univ. of Miami, RSMAS, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, tel: (30S) 361-4875. fax: (305) 361-4094, e-mail:
rginsburg@tsnias.miami.edu					
Guidelines for Contributions to CARIBBEAN CURRENTS
Any organization or individual operating or involved in the English and French-speaking Caribbean Region is welcome to
contribute to the newsletter. Contributions should be addressed to:
Carribean Currents Coordinator
INFOTERRA/USA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Library, 3404
401M Street. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
UNITED STATES
Telephone: (202)260-5917:Fa\: (202)260-3923; E-mail: Iibrary-infoterraWepamaiJ.epa.gov
Please note that submissions should meet the following criteria:
•	They should be relevant to environmental issues
•	They must be of interest to or directly involve the Region
•	They must not endorse or recommend any product or commercial service, explicitly or implicitly
•	They must be brief-under 250 words: Bulletin Board requesls should be under 100 words
•	They must be received by the posted deadline (see below)
Please feel free to contact the Caribbean Currents coordinator if you are interested in submitting a longer article. You
should contact the coordinator to discuss your topic and any size or content restrictions beforehand. Be aware that once
your article is submitted, it is subject to editing as needed. Final decisions on editing and inclusion of any contributions
are left to the INFOTERRA/USA Manager. Please contact INFOTERRA/USA using the address above to contribute any
comments, questions, problems, or ideas.
DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO Vol. S, No. 2: March 10,1997 	

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Welcome to The Caribbean Currents
Bulletin Board
Each issue, we will publish questions or concerns of interest to Currents
readers. Anyone who has materials or information that they are seeking or
that they feel will be helpful should feel free to contribute. We will post
queries and offerings of general interest on the Bulletin Board. You may
respond by contacting the reader who has placed the item, or the RSC.
DOCUMENTS
AVAILABLE
INFOTERRA/US A has free copies
ofthe following publications available
If you would like copies of any of
these documents, please let us know.
•	OfficeofGround Water and
Drinking Water Publications
(catalog) June 1996
Catalogof Hazardous and Solid
Waste Publications, September
1996
*	U.S. and MexicoSpomored
International Workshoop on
Phasing Lead out of Gasoline,
Proceedings, March 14-15,1995
To request copies of these
documents, just write to
INFOTERRA/US A using the contact
information on page 6.
0*
Information Needed on
Your Country
INFOTERRA/US A receives many
requests for information on countries
around the world, including the Caribbean.
We collect publications about
environmental protection in various
jurisdictions, organizing them together
geographically, in our "Country Boxes."
Wewould like to updateour collection
with current materials for the benefit of
researchers and visitors to INFOTERRA/
USA. Any environmental information,
regulatory or educational guidesyou can
provide would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact INFOTERRA/US A using
the information on page 6 ifyou can
provide any assistance. Thank you for
your support!
/ Send your Bulletins to the RSC for publication in the next issue. See
the Guidelines on page 4 for information on submitting items.
_					>
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About the NFP Directory
This directory reflects changes and additions to the INFOTERRA Directory of National Focal Points
distributed by INFOTERRA/PAC, dated January 1997. Please check this information to verify thai it is
correct and up-to-date. If you have any changes or corrections, please notify the RSC as soon as possible.
We will be happy to relay the information to the PAC.
NFP DIRECTORY

( Mrs. Candia Williams
Conservation Officer II
Ministry ofTourism, Culture, and Environment
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John's
ANTIGUA, WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809)462-4625 FAX: (809)462-2836
Mrs. Lynn Holowesko
The Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology
Commission
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. BoxCB 10980
Nassau
THE BAHAMAS
Telephone: (809)327-4691 FAX. (809) 327-4626
Mr. Lionel Moe
Permanent Secretary (Environment), Ministry ofTourism
International Transport and the Environment
Sir. Frank Walcott Building, Culloden Road
St. Michael
BARBADOS
Telephone: (809)431-7680 FAX: (809)437-8859
Jaime Jeffery Villanueva
Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries
PrincessMargaretDrive.P.O.Box 148
Belize City
BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA
Telephone: 501-2-44552 FAX: 501-2-32983
Mr. Ashton Lugay
Forestry and Wildlife Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Botanical Gardens
Roseau
DOMINICA. WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809)448-2401. ext. 417 FAX: (809)448-7999
Mr. Bhoonath Birfoal
Institute of Applied Science & Technology
Research Assistant, Information Unit
P.O. Box 101050, University Campus, Turkeyen
Greater Georgetown
GUYANA
Telephone: (592-22)4213/4215/4218 FAX: 592-22-4229
M. Dalberg Claude
Ministere de T Agriculture et des Ressources
Naturelles et du Dcveloppement Rural
P.O.Box 1441
Port-au-Prince
HAITI
Telephone: 509-1 -21867 FAX: 509-1-23599
Ms. Yolanda N. Mittoo
Natural Resources Conservation Authority
53 1/2 Molynes Road
P.O. Box 305
Kingston 10
JAMAICA. WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809) 923-5155/5125 FAX: (809)923-5070
E-mail, nrca^iigcapcorg
Mr. Leonard Huggins
Environmental and Development Officer. Planning
Unit
Charlestown. Nevis
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
Telephone: (809) 469-5521 FAX: (809) 469-5485
Mrs. Vancsta Moscs-Felix
Government Documentalist
Ministry of Planning. Development and Environment
National Documentation Center
P.O. Box 709
Castries
ST. LUCIA. WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809)452-2611 FAX: (809)452-2506
E-mail: LCDOOfrlSIS.ORG.LC
Regional ServiccCentre(RSC):
Emma J. McNamara
INFOTERRA/USA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Library. 3404
401M Street. S. W.
Washington. D. C. 20460
UNITED STATES
Telephone: (202)260-5917 FAX: (202)260-3923
E-mail: library-infoterrarfliepamaiI.epa.gov

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