Australia’s marine researchers helping to restore coral reefs

Australia's marine researchers are leading the way in a bid to help restore the Great Barrier Reef,

and what they discover could be a lifeline to reefs around the world.

Australian Institute of Marine Science researcher Dr Line Bay, a lead scientist for the feasibility stage

of Australia's Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, and speaker at the 5th International Marine Conservation Congress in Kuching, says there is still time to support coral reefs. 

Dr Bay discusses novel approaches to conserve and manage coral reefs affected by climate change.

"Coral reefs are at a cross road in terms of their ecological health and how they are managed," Dr

Bay said.

"Declines in coral cover and health, in particular from mass bleaching, have spurred discussion

around the role of restoration in the management of reefs in a warming world.

"We are moving to more novel approaches, many of which have never been implemented in wild

ecosystems on such a large scale.

"These include assisting the ecological or environmental attributes of reefs, and the replenishment

of coral cover with heat tolerant corals."

Dr Bay said the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program was examining a variety of innovative

measures to support the recovery of reef habitat and enhance the climate adaptation of reef corals.

"While an exploration of reef restoration techniques must not detract from a focus on addressing

the root causes of reef declines, most importantly climate change, it is a conversation we must

have," she said. 

"A rigorous, systematic and objective analysis of both existing and novel restoration approaches will

ensure that coral reef managers and decision makers have the best tools available to face the

challenging task of conserving and managing our coral reefs into the future.

"Global climate mitigation efforts must go hand-in-hand with actions to preserve and restore

resilience of our most vulnerable ecosystems."

The $6 million Reef Restoration and Adaptation Project feasibility phase is funded through the

Australian Institute of Marine Science, under the Australian Government's $60 million reef

investment package.

More information:
For more information:
Australian Institute of Marine Science
Communications officer: Kate Green
Email: k.green@aims.gov.au Twitter: @aims_gov_au Facebook: @australianmarinescience

Provided by Society for Conservation Biology Marine Section