Bermuda's coral reefs are set to benefit from a decision by the UK Government to pour $1.5 million into the sea.

UK Minister for International Development George Foulkes announced the cash boost at a UK-Caribbean Forum in the Bahamas.

He said the cash will be used to fund major research programmes to protect coral reefs -- for the sake of the environment and tourism.

And Bermuda is to be invited to attend a special workshop on protection of the seas, to be held in the Caribbean later this year, also to be paid for by the UK.

UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said: "I attach great importance to the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment, both in our waters and those of our friends further afield.

"Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to such threats as pollution, over-exploitation, coastal development and global environment changes.'' Mr. Cook was speaking at UK-Caribbean Forum in the Bahamas, which ended last Friday.

He added that the marine environment was "a vital resource'' and "irreplaceable'' once damaged or destroyed.

Mr. Cook said: "It's therefore important that we share understanding of how we can promote and protect them.

The conference will bring together experts from all over the world and hopes to involve academics and governments in protection work.

The massive cash boost for research programmes will be used to set up research at universities in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos and British Virgin Islands governments.

But Bermuda -- which has the most northerly coral reefs in the world will be able to draw on knowledge amassed during the research.

ENVIRONMENT ENV