Topside adventures into underwater history with Reef Relief
Rare exhibition brings new angle to coral reef conservation
By Matt Standal
Here in the Keys, a big part of our local flavor rests on our decidedly 'local' connection with coral reefs. For proof, look to Aquarius, the world's only underwater sea lab anchored near Key Largo; consider the eager crowds at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or simply charter a reef adventure with one of the many dive shops that dot the Keys. Yes, there's little doubt about it— most Keys locals cherish their connection to coral.
One unique fact many locals don't know: ancient research on these tiny, crystalline animals is responsible for much of what we know about modern-day science.
In other words, even in places with names that don't begin with "Key —” the study of coral reefs has always been critical.
"Coral reef science is the building block of all sciences," says Reef Relief Programmer Jeff Pearson of Key West. "Tropical reefs are an ecosystem twice as old as the dinosaurs. It just makes sense that we start here to unravel the world's scientific mysteries."
Pearson, who works with the Keys' oldest nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting coral reef awareness and conservation, is of course, speaking about the organization's latest outreach effort. Hosting University of Georgia Professor James Porter, Reef Relief dedicated both space and time last Saturday for the veteran coral researcher's one-of-a-kind collection of rare books about coral. Held for one night only, the event drew a steady crowd of eager locals, tourists, and eco-tourists who caught the buzz generated by the event.
Filling the brand-new outreach center, Porter's display included intriguing old volumes by scientific heavyweights like Charles Darwin, Jean Baptiste Lemarck, and the eminent Swedish scholar Linnaeus.
Sparking just as many mysteries as the ones it has shed light on, Porter's weighty bundle of off-beat academia even contained a poem by the great Sufi poet Rumi, plus several scientific pieces written in Arabic.
Not just a pile of old, dusty papers either, one unique feature of the remarkable collection was its pristine copies of centuries-old, richly illustrated scientific journals— each an art-themed, scientific gem in its own right.
"Thomas Jefferson sent two great scientific expeditions to catalog our nation's resources," explained a cheerful Dr. James Porter, the quirky professor responsible for amassing his notable collection over the last 25 years. "Everyone knows about Lewis and Clark, but not so many know about Jefferson's second expedition to research corals. The resulting illustrated guide is to corals what Audubon's Birds of North America is to ornithology— it's the beginning of the great science of its time."
As he spoke at the Reef Relief Outreach Center, Porter's talk was punctuated by his booming voice, sweeping hand gestures, and the flurry of beautiful, historic books cataloguing the worldwide discovery of corals.
An expert on the subject, Porter studied corals in Panama from 1978 to 1980. He donated the resulting collection of corals to Panama's Museum of Natural History; in turn, the museum gave him its collection of historic books.
His favorites are of course, the oldest ones, due to their extraordinary scientific value. Ranging from 1237 to modern day, the collection includes rarities, first editions, and only-known copies of some of the most important books ever written on the topic.
According to Porter, the collection's famous centerpiece is an ancient Middle Eastern book he calls a "Rosetta Stone" that looks to prove that ancient Arabic Scholars had an established system for classifying animals far more advanced than that of their European contemporaries.
Needless to say, much of the research is unparalleled in any museum. Period.
According to Reef Relief Program Manager Millard McCleary, that's exactly why Reef Relief sponsors visiting researchers like Porter—to expand Reef Relief's network of community outreach. Explaining his strategy, McCleary says "This presentation is an important way to cross barriers and attract interest in coral reef conservation."
And it won't ever be seen again— well sort of.
"He's a longtime member of Reef Relief's scientific advisory board, and plans to do more with the collection," McCleary added. "Dr. Porter is by no means a stranger to us. The resulting enthusiasm it has generated really made it worthwhile for him. He's considering putting it on again."
Until then, the folks at Reef Relief's Key West Outreach Center plan to offer a computer-based version of Porter's landmark presentation for those interested in the professor's lifelong pursuit of ancient books dedicated to coral reef research. Offered during the center's open hours— 9 a.m to 5 p.m. 7 days a week —the "ancient" yet new addition looks compliment the center's already extensive exhibits dedicated to area coral ecosystems.
Summing up the event, Michael Shields, founder of the Key West Film Society and Reef Relief Board Member said "People don't really realize how significant this collection is. We couldn't exist here in the Keys without coral reefs. This is a 500-year history that you just can't Google."
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