All input on table for coral research
METHODS from around the world, scientific and nonscientific, are being considered to repair the Great Barrier Reef.
James Cook University scientists are behind the project which is starting with a global review of what has helped restore reefs elsewhere.
Dr Ian McLeod, from JCU’s Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Hub, and Dr Adam Smith, from Reef Ecologic, are co- leading the vital project.
Dr McLeod said the project was focused on local restoration and assisted recovery techniques such as algae removal, coral larval enhancement, reattaching broken coral after disturbances and coral transplanting.
“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel, so we’re going to be looking at what’s already being done globally in a practical sense to help coral reefs,” he said.
“At the same time, we’ll be keeping an open mind and taking a hard look at emerging technologies and novel ideas.
“One major difference between this and other scoping studies is that we will assess grey literature – information that has not come through traditional academic channels – such as websites, videos and other online content and directly survey the people leading restoration projects.”
Dr McLeod said the researchers wanted to look at every option and make sure nothing was missed.
So far more than 200 case studies of coral restoration have been reviewed, with at least 200 to go.
Dr Smith said once promising programs were identified, they would be rigorously tested on the GBR.
“Some people ask how local restoration addresses the wider issue of climate changeinduced effects on coral. It’s vital that we both address global climate change and take small local actions to improve reef health and stewardship,” Dr Smith said.
The project is supported through funding from the Federal Government’s National Environmental Science Program. The research is being conducted within the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, a partnership of Australian universities, research agencies, park managers and charities.