Biodiversity “Beneath the Surface”
description
Transcript of Biodiversity “Beneath the Surface”
Biodiversity Biodiversity “Beneath the “Beneath the
Surface”Surface”
Dayne BuddoDayne BuddoSenior Research OfficerSenior Research Officer
Jamaica Clearing House MechanismJamaica Clearing House MechanismNatural History DivisionNatural History Division
Institute of JamaicaInstitute of Jamaica
BiodiversityBiodiversity
Biodiversity is simply the variety of all Biodiversity is simply the variety of all life on earthlife on earth
The tropical rain forest and the coral The tropical rain forest and the coral reef are the two most diverse reef are the two most diverse ecosystems in the world. ecosystems in the world.
Coral ReefsCoral Reefs
A coral reef is a physical structure A coral reef is a physical structure comprising delicate and minute comprising delicate and minute animals called coral polyps. animals called coral polyps.
These little creatures are the These little creatures are the builders of the reefbuilders of the reef
They are very susceptible to damageThey are very susceptible to damage
Marine DebrisMarine Debris
Cereal box = 2 months
Biodegradable diaper = 1 year
Disposable Diaper = 450 yrs
Marine DebrisMarine DebrisStyrofoam Cup = 80 yrs.
Aluminum Can = 200 yrs.
Plastic bottle = 450 yrs
The Jamaica ScenarioThe Jamaica Scenario
Jamaica’s reefs are regularly Jamaica’s reefs are regularly bombarded by hurricanes (reefs bombarded by hurricanes (reefs protect our coastline)protect our coastline)
To compound the problem, To compound the problem, Jamaicans overfish and pollute the Jamaicans overfish and pollute the waters around the reefswaters around the reefs
Jamaicans – big part of the Jamaicans – big part of the problemproblem
Overfishing of important grazers that Overfishing of important grazers that feed on algae adds to the problem feed on algae adds to the problem
eg. Parrotfisheseg. Parrotfishes We also use dynamite, catch many We also use dynamite, catch many
small fishes, and catch animals such as small fishes, and catch animals such as lobsters during the closed season. lobsters during the closed season.
Pollution increases algae which Pollution increases algae which smothers coral polyps, causing the reef smothers coral polyps, causing the reef to dieto die
What are scientists doing?What are scientists doing?
Marine Protected AreasMarine Protected Areas Establishments such as the Cayman Establishments such as the Cayman
Turtle FarmTurtle Farm Numerous conservation and Numerous conservation and
education projectseducation projects
How can you help?How can you help?
Be responsible citizensBe responsible citizens Get involved with environmental Get involved with environmental
groupsgroups
How can you help?How can you help?
Volunteer your servicesVolunteer your services
How can you help?How can you help?
Get exposure eg. Summer Marine Get exposure eg. Summer Marine ProgramProgram
Website: Website: www.marinebiology.4www.marinebiology.4tt.com.com
The Jamaica The Jamaica Clearing House Clearing House
MechanismMechanism
Biodiversity for SchoolsBiodiversity for Schools
www.jamaicachm.org.jwww.jamaicachm.org.jmm
ThanThank youk you