One of the Great Barrier Reef's most spectacular and diverse marine habitats, the fringing reef surrounding Orpheus Island, is at risk from rising sea temperatures.
Earthwatch Australia has developed a new research project ‘Recovery of the Reef’ together with the Australian Institute of Marine Science and is calling on volunteer divers to work with scientists to assess the growing prevalence of coral disease on this landmark site.
Richard Gilmore, Executive Director, Earthwatch Australia says “volunteers will get to experience this unique marine park filled with an unusually wide variety of reef habitats, clam gardens as well as submerged indigenous sites and recent shipwrecks, while helping scientists understand more about the factors influencing the health of coral reefs.”
“It’s a great way to experience something different, while making a difference to this important World Heritage Site.”
Dr David Bourne, Research Scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, says “the research will review how the reef is recovering from recent cyclones and how such extreme physical stress on the reef systems influence coral disease outbreaks. The ongoing research will also assess the seasonal dynamics of coral diseases and the role of other ecosystems stresses such as light, temperature and water quality on disease progression.
“Working...
