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Delectable Parrotfish May Help Weed Out Crisis Surrounding Coral Reefs

by Medindia Content Team on Nov 2 2007 7:15 PM

Caribbean’s coral reefs have long been under threat by the infamous algal bloom. The solution to this crisis surrounding coral reefs rests with nature in the form of parrotfish, a recent research suggests.

Parrotfish gorge on seaweeds. They could be the only solution to halt the degeneration of coral reefs beyond repair.

Calling this a blessing, Professor Peter Mumby, lead researcher from Exeter University, stressed the importance of protecting these fishes as they could help in the survival of coral reefs. It is all the more crucial as many hundreds of species are dependent on the reefs for survival.

Since parrotfish is a delicacy in the region, it is important to save these fishes from being caught in the net. Professor Mumby and his team used computer simulations to ascertain if coral reefs could bounce back after the onslaught of seaweeds, especially with a supportive environment.

Prof Mumby called for immediate action to protect parrot fish in order to stop the reefs from deteriorating. To do so, he recommended that large numbers of parrot fish be maintained as this may be the only answer to halt the degeneration of coral reefs.

Source-Medindia
SAV/C


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