One-way Processes Speed Degradation Of Coral Reefs

[Redwinger]

Efforts to protect coral reefs should be refocused on terminating self-reinforcing processes that accelerate degradation of these biological marvels, according to a Forum article published in the November 2004 issue of BioScience. The article, by Charles Birkeland of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, blames a series of "ratchets" ? destructive forces that are hard to reverse ? for the failure of most current efforts to halt continuing losses.

More... (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041104010831.htm)