BASIC EXPENSES AND FUTURE PROJECTS :  While I also provide updated information and informational links within my main website as a free service to the hobby, it does add an additional monthly cost due to the increase in server space needed for such a heavy photo loaded website. With all of the other projects going on as well, and having very limited personal resources (U.S. Navy Retired) available after basic living exspenses, any and all contributions, be it cash or equipment will be greatly appreciated and will allow me to continue such projects.

   REEF AWARENESS DAY :  Having seen the steady decline of the local reefs here, Linda and I have decided to become a bit more proactive in trying to reach the local community and make them more aware of what lies just offshore of their local swimming beaches. As such, starting in March 2008, we will be visiting the local schools and giving the children a presentation detailing how important the local reefs are. Along with the presentation I will be taking our microscope with us to allow the children to explore the microscopic world found within plankton as well as setting up a small touch "pool" containing starfish and other animals that they see at the beach yet are unaware of what the animals really are.  In addition, the children will be given a printed handout to take home for their parents to read. Again, none of this comes free to me as we have travel and printing exspenses in doing so.

   STATUS OF THIS PROJECT:  Ongoing throughout the school year to encompass all school grades.  The above link is the online version of what was and will be printed out and given to each child to take home as a momento of their field trip.

 

 Reefs & Reef Aquariums :

 A Philippine Reef Tour  - Details a few of the fringing reefs surrounding Mactan Island, The Philippines.

 A Philippine Fringing Reef & The Reef Aquarium  -  Examines the various habitats that comprise a fringing reef and how we can apply such habitats to our reef aquarium systems.  
   Part One - Land Meets Ocean
   Part Two - The Grass is Always Greener...
   Part Three - See The Weeds
   Part Four - The Tropical Kelp Beds
   Part Five - The Coral Reef  (to follow)

The Reef Aquarium Clean Up Crew  -  What and how to chose the members of your clean up crew.

 Collecting for the Reef Aquarium  -  For those living in locations that allow the taking of marine life.


   Corals :

 Coral Diseases, Predators and Parasites  - Detailed information on that what can afflict corals.

 Coral Genus Identification Guide  -  A pictorial guide used as an aid in the identification of coral species.


   Other Invertebrates  :

 A Sea Urchin Translocation Study -  A field study on the use of Diadema species for the control of invasive kelp.

 A Hitch Hikers Guide to the Reefs  -  A large library of animals that are commonly found on and within live rock and live sand.

 Commensal Coral Crabs  -  A species guide as to the corals used as hosts by these crustaceans.

 The Care & Breeding of Harlequin Shrimp  -  Very detailed information on how to best keep these shrimp wonders.

 The Caridean Shrimp - A pictorial species identification guide to those species that I come across and collect.

 Caridean Shrimp Anatomy - Glossary of Anatomical Terminology with Illustrations.


   Marine Fish :

 A Fish Disease Pictorial Guide  -  An extensive guide to fish diseases and their cures.

 Meet your Marine Aquarium Fish Exporter  -  An on site review of a Philippine ornamental fish exporter.

 Photographic time line of Clowfish Egg & Larvae Development  -  Includes a short movie of clownfish mating.

   THE CARIDEAN SHRIMP :  Start date - 21 July 2008,  As I happen upon the various species I will be including them into a color photo directory as a means to help hobbyists and other collectors correctly identify the Caridean shrimp.

   STATUS OF THIS PROJECT : Ongoing

 SPECIMEN COLLECTION : This is a two part project. During my twice weekly trips into the ocean, I collect and bring home a few live rocks / sand each time. This is done to document any and all species found living amongst the live rock and sand in order to provide you with an as complete as possible, online hitch hiker pictorial guide. In addition to this, any and all species found are being preserved for future shipment to and inclusion into the collection of the Los Angeles Natural History Museum which has so kindly provided me with the specimen containers. When each set of five vials are filled with specimens. They will be sent out via air express. Again, the cost of shipping anything of weight is prohibitive to me and I could use your help.

  Additionaly, I do incure my own costs of travel, equipment and online server fees to provide you with up to date and extensive guides to the life found on and within live rock and sand.

  STATUS OF THIS PROJECT:  Ongoing. - NOTE:  I am happy to announce that the first shipment to the L.A. Natural History Museum was sent out on Jan. 8th 2008 containing at least fifty reef invertebrate specimens.

 CONSERVATION / RESTORATION :  A Translocation Study : " The majority of the Philippine fringing reefs having gone from coral dominated to algae dominated systems. This is likely due to having herbivore populations greatly reduced due to their being collected as a human food source by over fishing. This leaves the undesirable, or inedible Diadema setosum remaining as the dominant herbivore. While the near shore habitats contain and hold a large population of juvenile Diadema species, the outer reef areas contain few adults. Such areas are under threat by Sargassum kelp which precludes coral recruitment and growth. This study will explore the feasibility and ecological results of translocating juvenile Diadema setosum from areas with relatively high settlement to nearby deeper water on fringing reefs. This is an individual effort performed by Charles Raabe with inspiration and guidance provided by Eric Borneman. "

  While not a costly project, it does however take a great deal of time and effort as well as the basic costs of travel and equipment / internet server fees.

    STATUS OF THIS PROJECT : CONCLUDED - It has become apparent that it will take more than a single species to affect any control of this invasive kelp. The Diadema species selected for this study has proven to only be effective in keeping the immediate area of its home (hiding) base clear of algae growth. With available daytime hiding places within the rocky substrates appearing to be the determining factor for population density, such limitations makes this sea urchin species unable to control the kelp growth on the upper substrate surface areas. It has become obvious that it is going to take more than a single species to do an adequate job of control.

  DO NOTE: In the event that contributions exceed the needs of the above projects, any excess funds will be put towards further study and documentation of the local Philippine reefs.

  Any and all funds or equipment recieved will not be refunded or returned for any reason. This is done simply to avoid any complications that may arise and to negate the need to become a book keeper. Any and all donations are not tax deductible. 

  If you wish to make a cash donation, please use the PayPal button below. All funds recieved will be used towards completing and maintaining the above projects.

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