Photo Exhibition by Tom Vierus
Coral reefs are among the most beautiful and spectacular ecosystems on earth. Although they cover only 0.1% of the world’s ocean surface, they provide a habitat for an estimated 1 – 3 million species, including more than a quarter of all marine fish species. Coral reefs are therefore one of the most biodiverse habitats on our planet with an incredible importance for humans. It’s ‘ecosystem services’ range from food supply and coastal protection, to tourism and medicine, with an estimated economic value around 100.000 – 600.000 US$ per km2 per year.
Unfortunately, reefs around the world are directly affected by climate change and ocean acidification. Rising water temperatures and increased CO2 concentrations in the world’s oceans has lead to coral bleaching and lower calcification rates, often resulting in the death of reefs. In addition to climatic changes, continued human activities such as coastal development, rainforest deforestation, overfishing and pollution continue to cause damage to coral reefs and now threaten 2/3 of all reefs worldwide.
Photographer Tom Vierus will display the overall diversity of shallow water reef communities, the main reef building and dwelling animals (e.g. stony corals, fish, molluscs) and the threats reefs are exposed to today.
The exhibition will be running from September 6th 2018 to March 31st 2019. Admission is free of charge. The museum is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am till 4 pm; Friday from 8:00 am till 2:00 pm; closed on weekends and holidays except 1st Sunday of every month 10:00 am till 4:00 pm.