Great Barrier Reef ‘overrun by weeds’ – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Great Barrier Reef ‘overrun by weeds’
By Nicole Butler for PM
A university professor says the Great Barrier Reef is moving from being dominated by coral to being overrun by seaweed. (Reuters: GBR National Park Authority)
It is one of the natural wonders of the world but the Great Barrier Reef is almost constantly at risk.
Scientists say farming chemical run-off is threatening the Reef, which is also battling climate change, coral bleaching and the crown of thorns starfish.
Now experts at the Australian Research Council (ARC) say around 43 per cent of the inshore reef is being overrun by seaweed, a claim hotly disputed by local tourism operators.
Great Barrier Reef ‘overrun by weeds’ – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)