ANSWER OUT OF LEFT FIELD

SCIENTISTS are divided on the long-term impact of climate change on coral reefs and the marine environment.

Some, like former Australian Institute of Marine Science chief scientist Charlie Veron, predict global catastrophe as reefs fail because of rising carbon dioxide levels, bleaching, cyclones and crown of thorns starfish plagues. He warns that Gold Coast waters are already feeling an impact.

Others, like controversial James Cook University geophysicist Professor Peter Ridd, say there has been little change in the amount of coral on the Great Barrier Reef over the past 25 years and fears of crisis are overblown.

But even Blind Freddie can tell that dying reefs are not good for the environment, not good for the future of the planet and, in the short term, not good for our nation’s economy since, as Southern Cross University coral researcher Professor Peter Harrison says, the Great Barrier Reef is worth $6 billion a year. Much of that is through tourism.

It is vital researchers like Prof Harrison are supported by governments in exploring ways of helping corals survive. His trial solution comes out of left field, but if using masses of material intended for bridal veils and gowns to capture coral spawn and anchor it to the reef gives coral a chance to grow and renew damaged areas, that has to be a good thing. The world needs new and innovative approaches to fix problems on a global scale.