Sunshine Coast coral reefs thriving

Researchers have uncovered an abundance of healthy, thriving coral along a heavily developed coastline — far beyond what the team expected when they first pitched the project.

University of Queensland researchers and dive club volunteers wanted a project to focus on as COVID restrictions took hold and limited their ability to work and travel.

A pitch was made to re-examine 11 reefs off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, particularly around Mudjimba Island and the popular tourist destination of Mooloolaba.

Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema brought together researchers and 50 volunteers from the UQ dive club to help.

Dr Roelfsema said what they found was incredible.

“We looked at so many different sites — every time we put our heads underwater, the volunteers went down and they did surveys,” he said.

“And they saw coral, and every time it was a significant amount of coral, and we didn’t expect it.

“We noticed that there was an enormous amount of coral there that we didn’t realise was there — and not in a couple of spots but in the 11 spots we visited.

“And that’s a big deal that there’s so much coral so close to a major urban area.”

He estimated the coral cover was 54 per cent beyond what was expected.

Key points:

• UQ researchers and dive club volunteers set out to examine the reefs to keep them busy through COVID restrictions
• The coral found off the Sunshine Coast was 54 per cent beyond what was expected
• The lead researcher hopes more people visit the area to explore the coral and ensure it is protected

Source
ABC News