Personal Letter from Dr. Deborah Brosnan
Friends:
Like you, I watched in shock and sadness as the death toll from the tsunami
climbed, and the scale of the damage became clear. Our first priority
must be to the health and safety of all affected, but long term the communities
must regain self-sufficiency. As a marine scientist, I've committed
to help communities rebuild their lives and to help them restore and protect
the coral reef resources that they will need to recover.
The tsunami devastated coastal communities that depend on coral reefs for food and revenue. Reef-based subsistence fishing and dive-tourism were their lifeblood. The corals may have helped protect people— areas with the healthiest reefs seem to have suffered less. But the reefs themselves are not unscathed. Some have suffered much damage, which is still ongoing. Coral heads were broken and debris from the receding waves is still rolling around on the reefs. Even worse, many communities now lack the means to protect and recover these essential biological resources. We've received reports and requests for help from reputable scientists and individuals in the affected areas. Our help is needed to assess, clean up, restore and monitor these reefs.
I'm responding. First, I made a major personal donation to start a dedicated fund at SEI (the Tsunami Reef Action Fund) to support this effort. I asked SEI to help toward this effort.
SEI leaped into action and matched my contribution with an institutional one. We have also mobilized our Conservation Science Network. This network, which I founded some years ago, functions as a scientific equivalent of “doctors without borders” giving time and expertise as needed. The response of these scientists, some of whom were directly affected by the tsunami, has been incredible and inspiring. We now have excellent, competent, trained, and self-sufficient scientific divers who can assist as needed. We're already coordinating our effort with PADI Project Aware and with scientists and organizations on the ground who have contacted me and who have requested help. We will be supporting the local effort and providing technical and financial support where it is needed.
You know that I'm a marine biologist with a personal commitment to coral reefs and to the people who depend on them. I also know first hand what it's like to have a disaster affect your life (having survived two major disasters). As scientists, we have a unique way to contribute to the long term recovery of communities and their marine resources. We must do what we can. If you can join us in our efforts and help with expertise, equipment, or funding, please read how you can help: We need and appreciate all your efforts and help. We live in a global village where our actions can impact the lives of those thousands of miles away. This is our opportunity to step up for people and the environment.
Thank you,
Deborah Brosnan
