Isle Of Palms Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

19 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com from its relatives found in shallower, warmer waters? Dr. Rasser noted, “Deep-water corals are similar to their relatives in shallow water. Both types extend tentacles from their skeletons to feed on marine debris and zooplankton. Both types eventually die and leave their skeletons behind, forming reefs and atolls and providing habitats for fish and other marine fauna.” One major difference, he said, is that most reef- building corals contain photosynthetic algae, while lophelia coral do not. They have polyps with an opening surrounded by tentacles that sting their microscopic prey before ingestion, which is how they get their nutrition. Over and above the pure scientific value of the astonishing find off South Carolina’s coast, if this discovery is connected to other areas of deep-water coral, it could improve their resilience. Deep Search 2018’s astonishing discovery comes at a time when concerns exist over the fate of shallow- water coral as a consequence of the warming of the seas and technological developments. For example, seismic air guns produce short pulses of sound – similar to sonograms – that bounce off the seabed to provide information about whether there is oil or natural gas beneath the ocean floor. The scientists plan to take one more excursion in 2019 before finalizing their analysis and issuing a report in 2022. What does this mean to policymakers in Washington, D.C.? Dr. Rasser confirmed that “shallow-water coral is being threatened by climate change and warming of the seas, and deep-water coral could be in danger as well. That’s something we all want to learn more about.” Dr. Rasser said it is important to collect information so we can understand and learn how to protect sensitive habitats before permitting private companies to search for oil and gas deposits. He pointed out that it will take a few years to collect and analyze the necessary data. “We have to learn more about how coral fits into the ecosystem, how the elements of the coral reef are connected and how the Gulf Stream functions as a sort of superhighway for coral larvae to move from place to place,” Dr. Rasser said. “Whether the issue is global warming or offshore drilling, scientists won’t make the ultimate decisions about how to protect sensitive environments such as the Richardson Ridge coral. The relevant government agencies will. “Their decisions won’t be made on a single study but on the body of evidence and experience available to them,” he added. “That’s one major reason why we conduct these expeditions – to collect data and provide accurate information to inform those decision-makers about these important marine habitats.” LET THE VACATION BEGIN! SHOP ON-LINE, NOT IN LINE ClickherebecauseyouarenotPASSIONATEabout grocery shopping... Clickherebecauseyoudon’twant to spend yourvacation searchingunfamiliargrocery aisles for thePEANUTBUTTER... Clickherebecause itwouldbeSOAWESOME tohaveyourvacationkitchen stocked BEFOREyouarrive. Everything inplace beforeyouarrive ClickherebecauseyouarenotPASSIONATEabout grocery shopping... Clickherebecauseyoudon’twant to spend yourvacation searchingunfamiliargrocery aisles for thePEANUTBUTTER... Clickherebecause itwouldbeSOAWESOME tohaveyourvacationkitchen stocked BEFOREyouarrive. Everything inplace beforeyouarrive groceriesahead.com (843) 216-7630 (854) 444-0014 We will shop and deliver your grocery order to your vacation destination prior to your arrival! Your vacation starts the minute you walk in the door! GREATER CHARLESTON & GRAND STRAND OF MYRTLE BEACH