Algae Blooms Threaten Great Barrier Reef - BBC

[hatrack]

"The Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, could be under threat from a new form of algae.
Australian scientists say they are concerned that the blanket of golden algae could smother and kill the coral.

Seaweed-like fronds of the blooms have been seen for the past three summers on reefs north of the Queensland city of Cairns, which is popular with tourists.

Some areas were badly affected, said Dr Britta Schaffelke of the CRC Reef Research Centre in Townsville. When the algae were removed by hand, the underlying coral was noticeably bleached.

This suggests some of the coral had died, either before or after it was colonised."

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3237294.stm

[seekerofwisdom]

1. They had the Thorn of crowns problem

and now this. The Reef is an amazing place. It would be a shame for any parts of it to become bleached and destroyed.

Perhaps though the Australian government should look at stopping all ocean vessels travelling through it first before attacking a natural phenomeona?