9/18: Big win for huge coral reefs along Atlantic Coast

PR Newswire: Big win for huge coral reefs along Atlantic Coast

The South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council voted today to protect what could be the Earth's largest deepwater coral ecosystem off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The 25,000 square mile area is among the most important in the world for marine species and for exploration for biopharmaceuticals.

The protection, a first for fishery councils in the US, will provide balance between protecting the reefs while allowing fishermen continued access to traditional fishing grounds using gear that will minimally damage reefs.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Jobless rate climbs to 10.4% in Alabama

ARKANSAS: State medical examiner lets national accreditation lapse

FLORIDA: AARP and state agree on plan that could help thousands of poor elderly

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue blocks agencies from working with ACORN

KENTUCKY: 2009 No Child Left Behind scores to be released 9/23

LOUISIANA: State Health Secretary expresses concern about proposed Medicaid changes

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says it's about policy, not race, on Obama opposition

NORTH CAROLINA: Community colleges agree to admit illegal immigrants

SOUTH CAROLINA: Tougher EPA smog regulations possible for South Carolina

TENNESSEE: State's cities spend millions on lobbying

VIRGINIA: Second debate between Deeds and McConnell turns contentious

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