AMAZING SEA CREATURES
Sea urchins off Jamaica’s north coast
appear to be making a comeback; furthermore, scientists discovered many young
corals, including hardy and reef-forming types, thriving along with the sea
urchins. The reefs have been struggling ever since a sea urchin species called
Diadema antillarum died off dramatically in 1983 and 1984. Some species of sea
urchins control the growth of seaweeds, which if left unchecked can devastate
coral reefs. However, new studies show that Diadema has sprung back, and corals
may be doing the same, and the recovery is the best news to emerge from Caribbean
reefs in decades.
Sea creatures across the globe are
being poisoned by tiny plastic pellets floating in the ocean. Chemical
companies ship polymers in the shape of small pellets to manufacturers around
the world that melt them and then mold them into plastic products. However,
thousands of tons of these pellets pass into the sea from factory or city waste
as well as from cargo that ships lose or jettison. Pellets contain high
concentration of toxic chemicals that they absorb from the seawater –chemicals
that damage animals’ immunity, fertility, and hormonal systems. Birds, fish, and
turtles eat the pellets, mistaking them for fish eggs or other food, so there
are worrisome repercussions for the extended food chain.
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