MOSAIC: Deep-sea treasures
FOR many years, research has focused largely on tropical, shallow-water corals, found in areas such as the Maldives, which support entire island communities by providing fish as sustenance for families and vital tourism-generated revenues. Nonetheless, coral species building reefs in colder and usually deeper waters play an equally important role in sustaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems, and they must be kept alive.
The latest research, published in a United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) report entitled Cold-water coral reefs: out of sight — no longer out of mind, shows that these corals can be found in almost all the world’s oceans and, sadly, that some have already been destroyed or scarred by trawling. The report, written by five international coral reef experts has been produced with support from UNEP, WWF and the governments of Ireland, Norway and the UK.
Cold-water coral reefs are emerging as a new piece in this vital web of life which now requires urgent attention. These reefs are one of the planet’s many ‘life-support systems’ that must be added to the conservation agenda.
Attracting urgent attention from the world’s decision-makers is a main focus of the report, which contains no less than 24 recommendations for action.
The report’s recommendations have been designed to cover all aspects of cold-water coral protection. They are split into four clearly defined areas:
• Information management and research;
• Monitoring and assessment;
• Regulations and measures;
• International coordination and awareness.
They are all expected to play an equally important part in stimulating dialogue at the forthcoming meetings and provide a basis for decisions to be taken.
Cold-water coral reefs: out of sight - no longer out of mind states that fisheries, exploration and production of oil and gas as well as the placement of pipelines and cables can have a large impact on cold-water coral reef ecosystems. Underwater studies in the N.E. Atlantic show reefs scarred or destroyed by bottom trawling, which can wipe out in 15 minutes a complete ecosystem that has taken thousands of years to grow. The report’s recommendations aim to strengthen dialogue with the fishing industry and other stakeholders in the development of regulations and measures for the conservation, protection and sustainable development of cold-water coral reefs in waters within and beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. — Samina Iqbal
A healthy diet
THE cardiovascular benefits of a Mediterranean diet are well known, states a recent issue of the Journal of American Medical Association. This diet comprises of high intake of monounsaturated fats, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish. A long term study was conducted on 2339 elders with an age range of 70 to 90 years without any cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes.
The diet was assessed and other lifestyle factors as not smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity were noted. After ten years, 935 participants had died most from cardiovascular disease or cancer. Analysis showed, Mediterranean diet to have had the most benefit followed by low-alcohol intake, moderate physical activity and smoking.
In another Italian study, the effects of a Mediterranean diet were studied on 180 Italian subjects with the metabolic syndrome — obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and raised blood cholesterol. After two years the benefits were evident. Significant decrease was seen in C-reactive protein and interleukins. Insulin resistance was lowered. These are all markers for a proinflammatory state and endothelial function, which is an underlying mechanism for cardiovascular disease. These had significantly improved. Weight loss was not significant.
The first study’s findings are important because they suggest that older age does not preclude benefits from lifestyle choices. In the second study the subjects achieved benefits despite a lack of substantial weight loss. The results of these studies and others mandate a widespread public health approach, based on lifestyle modification, to prevent chronic disease and premature mortality. — Dr Fatema Jawad
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