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Lessons Learned
  • , Jim Evans

Probably the most significant thing I learned on this trip is that it is possible for coral to be resilient to environmental stresses … that reef revival is possible. It was exciting to see the reaction of researchers who studied the coral reefs in the lagoon of Rangiroa over ten years ago. They said that in 1998 the reefs were devastated, but now life has returned to the reefs.

Jim Evans having a skype call with two classes on the east coast of the US while off the coast of Moorea
Jim Evans having a webchat with two classes on the east coast of the US while off the coast of Moorea

 

We visited coral reefs of the coast of Moorea, which were devoid of life to a greater degree than Rangiroa. Although the reefs still appear somewhat lifeless, the researchers commented on how coral recruits are present, which is the first step in reef revival. And the main lesson I have learned here that I will bring back to my students is that there is still hope.

Healthy reef with high coral cover off the coast of Rangiroa, a prime example of reef revival.
Healthy reef with high coral cover off the coast of Rangiroa, a prime example of reef revival.

 

However, if we continue to treat our planet the way we do, that hope can dwindle. If we continue to let environmental stresses such as climate change affect our coral reefs, they may in time lose that resilience and we may lose them forever.

Jim Evans enjoying the coral cover on the shallow reef
Jim Evans enjoying the coral cover on the shallow reef

(Photos by 1-3 Brian Beck)

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