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Some fantastic clownfish swim in the Great Barrier Reef with corals of fantastic appearance. photo: AFP
The Great Barrier Reef off Australia is in urgent need of help. Due to climate change, its delicate coral reefs almost collapse. Australia has now selected six partially curious research approaches to test
As part of the Australian "Reef 2050" plan
Infusions of salt crystals in clouds or thin biomembranes: the Australian government has given its go-ahead experimental designs to protect the endangered Great Barrier Reef. In January, she had donated two million Australian dollars (1.27 million euros) for unconventional ideas to save the only coral reef. Last Friday, six approaches were retained, which must now be addressed
According to the government, this includes the idea of artificially thinning the clouds by infusing salt crystals obtained from the water. As a result, they could better reflect the sun's rays in the space. In the same vein, the approach is to coat the sea with a biodegradable floating membrane to protect the corals from heat stress, as with an awning.
The world-renowned reef on the northeast coast is badly damaged. Corals suffer from deadly coral bleaching as a result of sea warming. In addition, they are threatened by the coral-eating starfish, which has been spread by sewage. For the first time in two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017, large scale coral bleaching has occurred. About 30 percent of the corals are dead. Some researchers already consider irreparable damage.
The government generally supports the fight against climate change to save the reef. Efforts are also being made to develop short-term relief strategies. In April, Canberra provided 312 million euros for the improvement of water quality, coral predators and the restoration of damaged reefs. In total, Australia intends to invest 1.27 billion euros in the coming years as part of the "Reef 2050" plan to protect the natural wonder of 2,300 kilometers World Heritage Site since 1981 and a major tourist factor. [19659004] A total of 69 proposals were received, of which six must now be tested to determine their relevance. Among other things, this includes an idea for the "mbad production" of additional coral larvae, which must be based on artificial structures, which are produced with the help of 3D printers.
An expert from the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences was open to selected projects. The idea of vaccinating clouds of salt crystals, for example, seems strange, but it has potential, said David Mead at ABC. The team was counting on fine jets that could provide billions of drops of salt per second, he explained. If the water evaporates and the remaining salt crystals could then be distributed in the clouds, it would have an effect. "This can increase the proportion of the sun's rays, which is reflected." Afp
Back to overview: World Mirror
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