Australia turns to sunshades, water spray to save Great Barrier Reef

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

SYDNEY (AFP) — Australia is considering using vast sunshades to stop global climate change further damaging the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral system, a government minister said. Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said the government was looking at funding the use of shade cloths to protect vulnerable parts of the giant reef off the coast of Queensland state, after a promising two-year trial.

Scientists warned earlier this year that high ocean temperatures linked to global warming had caused severe coral bleaching in parts of the reef, said to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Bleaching occurs when the plant-like organisms that make up coral die and leave behind the white limestone skeleton of the reef. "We're very concerned because this is a...