Bermuda's coral reefs are in such good shape compared to the Caribbean that they could be used as a "Noah's Ark" to re-populate destroyed reefs elsewhere.

That was the positive news from Dr. Thad Murdoch of Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), who is hosting top scientists to carry out dives to assess the health of local reefs this week.

Bermuda has been chosen as one of nine field trip sites for scientists invited to this month's prestigious International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS).

Held every four years, the 11th symposium convenes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 7 to 11, as a major scientific conference to provide the latest knowledge about coral reefs worldwide. Leading up to the conference, experts will conduct field trips to several coral reef locations, including Bermuda.

"It's a chance to showcase Bermuda to the international coral reef community," said Dr Murdoch, chief scientist of the Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment & Mapping (BREAM) project, who has spent the past several years conducting the first extensive mapping of Bermuda marine parks and reef areas.

"The big story is that Bermuda has managed its reefs better than practically any other country on the planet, so 99 percent of its reefs are amazingly healthy."

Dr. Murdoch is hosting a team of 11 visiting scientists, who will dive on various reef sites around Bermuda throughout the week. Two of the participating scientists, Dr. John Ogden and William Precht, are among the world's foremost coral reef experts. They will be giving a public lecture at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute tonight at 7 p.m.

Dr. Murdoch will represent Bermuda at next week's symposium as a guest speaker. Attendees include natural scientists, resource managers and users, conservationists, economists, and educators who aim to advance coral reef science, management, and conservation.

Unlike the Caribbean, where coral reefs have been ravaged by human contact and disease over the past decade, Bermuda's reefs are near-pristine thanks to a long history of Government protection and sound management, Dr. Murdoch said.

"We have spent the past few years studying in great detail the amount of living coral cover, the types of corals, algae and fish species on Bermuda's reefs," he explained. "The results are very positive. We believe, based on all our data, our reefs are in a very healthy condition. If the Caribbean is in trouble, Bermuda could end up as a sort of Noah's Ark, a source for the re-population of destroyed reef sites elsewhere."

Bermuda's fishpot ban, coupled with the fact 100 percent of its reefs are classed as marine protected areas within a 200-mile zone, has been largely responsible for the health of the Island's coral reefs.

"We have been affluent and fortunate enough to preserve our reefs and the delicate ecosystem they support," he said. "It is important that we continue those efforts for the future health of our reefs."