Algae threatens great coral reef

[ReefLady]

Algae threatens great coral reef

By Helen Briggs
BBC News Online environment correspondent
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"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.

More study

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.

Further research was needed to assess how big a threat to the Great Barrier Reef it might be, said Dr Schaffelke. "



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