Issue Briefs

The Social and Environmental Research Institute (SERI) is conducting research in Puerto Rico on coral reefs and tourism. We are documenting the degree to which snorkelers and divers engage in behavior that could be damaging to the coral reefs of Puerto Rico.  We will also measure the effectiveness of reef etiquette messages at  changing people's underwater behavior. We believe that a positive message can help build awareness to keep the reefs healthy and still serve as attractive places for tourists and local residents to visit and recreate. Click here for more information.

new NOAA rule will prohibit boaters from discharging or depositing sewage into all waters of the A new NOAA rule will prohibit boaters from discharging or depositing sewage into all waters of the FKNMS. FKNMS. The rule, which took effect on December 27, also requires that vessel marine sanitation devices are secured to prevent discharges within sanctuary boundaries.
Vessel sewage discharge has been prohibited in state waters of the sanctuary since its designation as a No Discharge Zone by the U.S. EPA in 2002. Under the new rule, both state and federal sanctuary waters are now protected from potentially harmful vessel sewage discharge. Current marine sanitation treatment devices do not kill all viruses found in wastewater, nor do they remove nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen. This new rule will help prevent these pollutants from entering the sanctuary. Excessive amounts of nutrients can harm coral reef ecosystems by degrading water quality and stimulating the rapid growth of aquatic plants and algae that, in turn, smother and kill live coral.
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries received more than 1,400 written comments during a 90-day comment period for the proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register in November 2009.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
PERSONAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FISHERIES...

Get Informed…
As a consumer, you have seafood choices. Did you know that not all fish and shellfish that are available in today's markets and restaurants are good choices from an environmental perspective? Population sizes of seafood species vary over time - both naturally and depending on how heavily they are fished. Some are clearly in good shape due in part to good fisheries management, and those are excellent seafood choices. Others have experienced dramatic declines due to over harvesting or environmental fluctuations, and choosing those seafood species further contributes to the problems. Many seafood species fall somewhere in between - not bad choices, but there are concerns that you may want to be aware of.  Click here to view pocket guide.