Scientists have just discovered a new variety of coral reefs near Curieuse Island some 100km to the North of the main Seychelles island of Mahe. Dr Dave Smith and Dr Dave Suggett from the Biological Science department of the British university of Essex carried out the research near Curieuse Island.
The two scientists issued a communique which indicates that “there is an extensive range of coral reefs to the south of the island (Curieuse) which is not usually visible to those who practice snorkeling.”
The communique adds that the reefs have suffered intensively following the tsunami of December 2004, but that they have recovered.
The scientists further said that from field data that they have collected, they have been able to set up experiments in a makeshift laboratory to study the ability of coral species to tolerate climate change.
The results will help design new experiments to predict the fate of coral reefs which are affected by this phenomenon, it adds.
The mission was jointly funded by the Mitsubishi Corporation and the Earthwatch Institute and had the support of local Seychellois collaborators.
Curieuse Island which is presently managed by the Seychelles Centre of Marine Research and Technology-Marine Protected Areas (SCMRT-MPA) is host to 200 giant tortoises.
The authorities in Seychelles are planning to set up a marine field-based research center on the island in the near future.
Source African Press Agency
