Researchers Looking at Coral Threats

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer, Space & Earth science / Environment

This undated handout photo provided by NOAA shows a coral reef off the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Even coral reefs thought to be pristine are facing challenges, researchers said Thursday launching the International Year of the Reef. (AP Photo/NOAA)

(AP) -- Even coral reefs thought to be pristine are facing challenges, researchers said Thursday launching the International Year of the Reef. The year of the reef is a "campaign to highlight the importance of coral reef ecosystems and to motivate people to protect them," Conrad Lautenbacher, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said at a briefing.

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