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Abstract
Allen, William
H. "Increased Dangers to
Caribbean
Marine Ecosystems," BioScience,
1992,
42:5 (May), 330-35
Damage from cruise ship
anchors is a serious threat to
marine biomes in the Caribbean. An increasing
number of medium-to-large
cruise ships are entering shallow, environmentally sensitive areas and
causing
damage to coral reefs. Instances of anchor damage are described.
Recovery of
the coral and reef community varies, depending on the type of
destruction and the
type of coral. It is impossible to know how much reef damage has
occurred and
who or what is responsible, but marine resource managers are trying to
find
solutions such as permanent moorings and requirements that boats do not
drop
anchor. Public education can help solve the problem too.
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