From: Tangoblgld@aol.com
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 20:30:30 EDT
Subject: Our reef is DYING !!!! --  FT LAUDERDALE

 I have been beach diving on the reef offshore of Comercial Bvd. in 
Lauderdale-by-the-sea (just north of Ft, Lauderdale) Fl. for a couple 
of years now.  I considered it to be one of the two best warm water 
beach diving sites in North America.
  Last week, after being away from the reef for three weeks, I went 
diving.  I could not believe what I saw.  The first reef (60 yards 
offshore) looked like a winter landscape covered with snow.  At least 
80% of all the coral was bleached a bright white, apparently dead.  
Of the remaining 20% all of it looked pale and unhealthy.  There were 
not near as many fish as I normally see. I swam out to the second 
reef line (120 yards offshore) hoping it was okay but it was the same.    
I have been diving for 20 years, and worked as a scuba instructor for 
several years in Florida and the Caribbean.  I have never witnessed 
such a fast and total die off of coral.  What has happened?  Who can 
we alert to investigate or correct the problem?  What can I do to help?
  Please get back to me about this.  Tangoblgld@aol.com

Greg Wadley