Fish numbers drop as reefs take a bashing
Caribbean aquatic life endangered. Overfishing, climate change, coral demise from disease and bleaching, and pollution from industrialization on the coasts are causing a continuing cycle of decline in coral-dependent fish populations in the Caribbean, says a new study from Simon Fraser University in Canada. The report examined many past studies of coral reefs and concluded that as fish populations decline, so do the reefs, which in turn leads to further loss of fish. A study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity shows that human activities in urban development are also threatening freshwater wildlife in southern Africa such with extinction.

Our appreciation researchers at Simon Fraser University, International Union for Conservation of Nature and South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, for informing us of the fragile state of our aquatic co-inhabitants. Let us quickly work towards preserving these precious beings as we are reminded of our interconnectedness with all life on Earth.

At the March 2009 SOS Save the Planet climate change conference in Xalapa City, Mexico, joined by Mexican dignitaries and many others, honored guest Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke via videoconference about the fastest way to restore the balance of the oceans’ waters.

Can Organic Cropping Systems Be As Profitable As Conventional Systems?
Organic farming benefits outweigh conventional monocropping. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin in the USA have discovered that organic produce farming methods, which involve planting multiple crops, are more advantageous than the convention method of planting one crop, also known as monocropping. The 13-year study found that besides their environmental benefits, diversified, rotational and organic farming practices are also actually more profitable.

Hats off University of Wisconsin scientists for this important study showing us that we can better sustain ourselves through organic means. Let us all step toward supporting such practices for our own vitality as well as that of the planet.

Khalid bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation expedition concludes first week
Saudi Arabian expedition studies marine ecosystem. As part of a collaboration with the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development of Saudi Arabia, the US National Coral Reef Institute and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a group of Saudi researchers with the Khalid bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation of Saudi Arabia have embarked on an expedition to explore the rich biodiversity of the Red Sea off the Farasan Islands. Their goal is to study different habitats in this geologically unique area, to assess the condition and health of the marine life and reef systems for worldwide conservation purposes.

Khalid bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation scientists, we applaud your efforts to bring increased environmental awareness. We look forward to hearing of the discoveries from your fascinating journey, which could greatly benefit marine life in the region.

Corn, soy yields gain little from genetic engineering: study
Germany bans genetically modified maize. On Tuesday, Germany’s Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner announced the banning of genetically modified MON 810 corn, saying that it is harmful to the environment. This decision is in line with similar rulings already in place in countries such as France, Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg and Greece who have also banned the corn. In a separate study, the Union of Concerned Scientists examined peer-reviewed academic studies and concluded that, despite claims saying they are a solution to world food shortages, genetically engineered crops do not produce significantly higher yields.

Minister Aigner and Germany, we appreciate your proactive safeguarding of public and environmental health. Blessed be yours and all lands in growing healthful crops harmonious with sustainable green living.