Could New Technology Save Great Barrier Reef?

With the increasing worry caused by the climate change crisis, reports have shown that since 1995 the Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its corals due to sea temperatures rising. 

A study posted in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B carried out by Marine Scientists in Queensland has shown that the Great Barrier Reef has suffered immense damage and loss to its corals due to warmer temperatures and mass bleaching events.

The report showed that the majority of damage was caused between 2016 and 2017, however the damage has continued since. 

This is a huge worry for the future of our marine life as the Great Barrier Reef provides vast habitats for thousands of fish and marine life. Even though corals are able to recover if conditions are reversed, it can take a considerable amount of time, meaning a larger loss for habitation. 

It was previously thought that because of the sheer size of the Great Barrier Reef would mean it was protected from serious climate change worry, but it seems this is not the case anymore. With studies showing, the Reef is still declining at alarming rates; scientists are now working to look at solutions as to how to save the Reef from suffering even worse damage. 

In response to these reports, a robot has been created that will work to help the reef regrow and regenerate the damaged corals. So far, the robot has been able to put out 2.5 million coral larvae, which spans over three hectares of damaged reef. Within 6-9 months there is expected to be great results from this and hopefully have some growth to try to atone for the disastrous damage caused to the reef.

Of course, the rising temperatures and climate change as a whole is something that is being battled daily, but the fact that new technology is being produced constantly in an attempt to save amazing landmarks such as The Great Barrier Reef is an amazing accomplishment.