Reef Revival & Hope: Lessons Learned by LOF CREW Member Jim Evans

Lessons Learned

March 28, 2013

Written by Guest Author

, 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.*

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*

(Photos by 1-3 Brian Beck)

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From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.

There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

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