Great Barrier Reef

Coral Reefs

The Conversation

05 August 2013

Warming oceans are affecting the breeding patterns and habitat of marine life, according to a three-year international study published today in Nature Climate Change. This is effectively re-arranging the broader marine landscape as species adjust to a changing climate.

News.com.au

30 July 2013

SCIENTISTS have developed a new super sunscreen that mimics the way Great Barrier Reef corals protect themselves from UV light.

CSIRO scientists have spent the past two years harnessing the way the reefs' corals have survived Queensland's harsh sun for million of years in shallow waters. Read more

Auge, A.A., Maughan, M., Pressey, R.L., Brodie, J., Dale, A., Yorkston, H. (2013) Spatially explicit scenarios for conservation planning in the Great Barrier Reef coastal zone, Australia. Coast GIS 2013.

Al Jazeera

24 July 2013

With the venomous Crown of Thorns starfish decimating Australia's Barrier Reef, hope comes from a surprising source.

Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef has lost half its coral since 1985 and around 40 percent of this is believed to be down to the venomous Crown of Thorns starfish.

Daily Mercury

27 July 2013

A WAR of spin has erupted between the coal industry and environmentalists over ports and dredging near the Great Barrier Reef, as an Airlie Beach diving instructor voices his concerns about new developments.

The debate between industry and green groups has reached fever pitch, with both sides alleging the other is trying to divert attention away from various threats to the reef's health. Read more

Scientific American

25 July 2013

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy said on Friday it would lead the effort to recover four unarmed bombs it was forced to drop in Australia's World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef marine park.

The U.S. 7th Fleet would take the lead in recovering the bombs, coordinating with Australian authorities to ensure "the environment is protected with the greatest care", it said in a statement. Read more
 

The Conversation

23 July 2013

Rising temperatures are linked to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption by tropical forests, according to a 50-year study published today.

WWF

18 July 2013

WWF-Australia today welcomed the commitment of the Australian Government to commit $930,000 towards the management of marine turtles under the Working on Country program.

"The Working on Country program has been a great success for both the environment and Indigenous communities," WWF spokesperson Darren Grover said. Read more

ABC Radiio National

16 July 2013

The Great Barrier Reef may soon be assessed as a World Heritage site 'in danger' by UNESCO.

Water scientist at James Cook University, Jon Brody, thinks this listing should go ahead because, despite improvements in agricultural management, the threats to the reef are still there. Read more