Page 7 - the NOISE APril 2013

NEwSbriefs
First ‘sex-on-the-reeF’ recorded on india’s only coral atolls
LAKSHADWEEP, India, March 27(ENS) — Coral spawning, locally called “sex-on-the- reef,” has been recorded for the first time along India’s southwest coast in the waters around Lakshadweep, a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea.
An annual occurrence normally observed after a full moon night, coral spawning is the sexual reproduction of corals. The phe- nomenon involves the mass collective expul- sion of colorful eggs and sperm clouds into the water that rise to the surface, creating a colorful slick. The slick was first observed by Wildlife Trust of India marine biologist S. Sub- buraman last week, and also by the Central Marine Fisheries and Research Institute team.
“I was traveling by boat, when I noticed an interesting effect in the water. Out of curios- ity, I collected some pink and brown spawn for examination,” said Mr. Subburaman.
During spawning, the eggs are fertilized and form larvae. The larvae then float off until they find suitable substrates, settle and form their own colonies, helping corals thrive.
Dr. Alasdair Edwards, professor at UK’s
Newcastle University, said, “We expect cor- als to spawn a week after full moon nights in March (27th for this year) or April (25th for this year),” he said. “This event also shows that corals spawn in day as well, though not as commonly as at night.”
A survey showed that the coral larvae were seen forming slick-like layers around four is- lands — Agatti Island, Bangaram, Thinakara, and Kavarrati. When questioned regarding the phenomenon, some local islanders said they had presumed it to be oil spills.
Dr. B.C. Choudhury, senior advisor for Wildlife Trust of India, said, “This comes at a time when a lot of pessimism surrounds the state of our corals, with talk of them getting bleached, their habitats being destroyed, global warming, sea levels rising and so on. It is really a magnificent sight, and the team of scientists at Lakshadweep was really for- tunate to witness it. It should give impetus to others working with corals to look out for their seasons of spawning, and encourage people to monitor these beautiful organisms on a larger scale.”
eUroPe Bans MarKetinG oF cosMetics tested on aniMals
BRUSSELS, Belgium, March 11 (ENS) — Cosmetics tested on animals anywhere in the world can no longer be marketed in the European Union — in line with regulations phased in over 10 years, but over the objec- tions of the cosmetics industry.
Tonio Borg, European commissioner for health and consumer policy, said the market- ing ban is in line with what many European citizens believe — that the development of cosmetics does not warrant animal testing.
A Communication adopted today by the Eu- ropean Commission confirms the executive’s commitment to respect the deadline set by the European Council of Ministers and Parlia- ment in 2003.
“Today’s entry into force of the full mar- keting ban gives an important signal on the value that Europe attaches to animal welfare,” said Mr. Borg. “The Commission is commit- ted to continue supporting the development of alternative methods and to engage with third countries to follow our European ap- proach.”
Commissioner Borg says Europe’s global role in cosmetics requires reaching out to trading partners to explain and promote the European model and to work towards the in- ternational acceptance of alternative meth- ods. Mr. Borg says the Commission will make this an integral part of the European Union’s trade agenda and international cooperation.
The European ban has prompted an inter- national animal welfare group and a cosmet- ics corporation to call on countries around the world to implement a similar ban.
oBaMa advocates $2 Billion FUnd For advanced cars, FUels
ARGONNE, Illinois, March 15 (ENS) – Presi- dent Barack Obama again called on Congress to establish a $2 billion Energy Security Trust for investments in research that will make the vehicle and fuel technologies of the future cheaper and better.
Speaking at the Argonne National Labora- tory outside Chicago, where scientists have conducted breakthrough research in ad- vanced batteries, President Obama reiterated the Energy Security Trust proposal he made
in his State of the Union speech last month. Concerned about the chilling effect of se- quester budget cuts on scientific advance- ment, President Obama said an Energy Secu- rity Trust would help to keep scientists work-
ing. A trust fund would allow the government to “support American ingenuity without add- ing a dime to our deficit.”
“We can support scientists who are design- ing new engines that are more energy effi- cient; support scientists that are developing cheaper batteries that can go farther on a sin- gle charge; support scientists and engineers that are devising new ways to fuel our cars and trucks with new sources of clean energy
– like advanced biofuels and natural gas — so drivers can one day go coast to coast without using a drop of oil,” the President said.
Obama cited a new report issued today by the Environmental Protection Agency that shows America already is becoming a global leader in advanced hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles as well as fuel-efficient cars and trucks. From 2007 to 2012, vehicle CO2 emissions have decreased by 13% and fuel economy values have increased by 16%, the EPA reports.
The President’s proposal sets aside $2 bil- lion over 10 years to support research into a range of cost-effective technologies — like advanced electric vehicles, homegrown bio- fuels, fuel cells, and domestically produced natural gas. The funds for an Energy Security Trust would be set aside from royalty reve- nues generated by oil and gas development in federal waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, which are already included in the ad- ministration’s five year plan.
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