Australian researcher’s coral bleaching model could aid conservation

A new study led by researchers from the University of Queensland suggests that action aimed at protecting coral reefs could help prevent widespread coral bleaching during the next century, ABC Science has reported.

University of Queensland researchers have developed a new model to help predict how various factors might impact corals’ calcium carbonate levels.

The model is the first that correlates calcium carbonate levels with coral growth. Calcium carbonate is an essential nutrient in coral that can be depleted due to a complex set of factors.

The study shows that concerted efforts on both the local and global levels to limit pollution, overfishing and greenhouse gases would help bolster coral populations through the restoration of calcium carbonate.

Image: Coral reef in Florida (Credit: Jerry Reid, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)