Beneath the Surface:
Lessons from Coral Reefs

Dr. David Evans, Under Secretary for Science,
Smithsonian Institution
March 9, 2004, 7PM, Kane 120

Abstract

Coral reefs shelter and nourish an amazingly rich variety of sea life. Each year the fish and mollusks harvested from these “rainforests of the oceans” provide food to over 30 million people. However, a close look at a coral reef reveals that they are extremely delicate. Tiny coral polyps take calcium and carbon dioxide out of ocean water to form limestone shells. Trillions of these organisms work together to build some of the largest living structures on Earth, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Without the benefit of coral reefs the amount of carbon dioxide in the oceans and atmosphere would increase dramatically adversely affecting all life on our planet. In an era of global warming, coral reefs are providing the thermostat. Despite all their obvious benefits, most coral reefs are either endangered or threatened from over fishing and human interactions. What have we learned about our place on the earth and how we decide to move forward from these tarnished jewels?

Join Dr. David L. Evans as he presents the latest scientific findings and discusses the most difficult challenges facing one of the world’s most valuable resources. Dr. Evans is an oceanographer, former Assistant Administrator at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and now Under Secretary for Science at the Smithsonian Institution. He brings a unique perspective from one of those who set science policy to one who has behind-the-scenes access to cutting-edge research.