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Scientists Say Most Diverse Coral Site Ever Seen on Great Barrier Reef Discovered (theguardian.com)
In a space no longer than 500 metres, researchers say they recorded at least 195 different species of corals. From a report: A team of researchers says it has discovered the most diverse coral site ever recorded on the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a non-profit organisation that conducts research trips on the reef, and scientist Charlie Veron, known as the godfather of coral, have identified the site on the outer reef. In a space no longer than 500 metres, the researchers say they recorded at least 195 different species of corals on a research expedition last month. The group first stumbled upon the site on a voyage last year, and returned in November to conduct studies.
"I've spent eight years working on the Great Barrier Reef in just about every nook and cranny," Veron said. "I thought there would be nothing new for me on the Great Barrier Reef." Veron returned with the group to record the corals and will write a paper on the site. He said it was located in a general area that had been affected by widespread coral bleaching and coral mortality and it would take further work to assess why this particular spot had survived so far. It also appeared to have been unaffected by cyclones and other factors such as crown of thorns that threaten coral health.
"I've spent eight years working on the Great Barrier Reef in just about every nook and cranny," Veron said. "I thought there would be nothing new for me on the Great Barrier Reef." Veron returned with the group to record the corals and will write a paper on the site. He said it was located in a general area that had been affected by widespread coral bleaching and coral mortality and it would take further work to assess why this particular spot had survived so far. It also appeared to have been unaffected by cyclones and other factors such as crown of thorns that threaten coral health.
I wish I could have more faith that part wouldn't be deliberately overlooked by the onslaught of denialists that will now begin to spam "See, this proves the coral reefs are totally fine." I guess we'll see.
So the great barrier reef, so diverse, yet every iceage, it goes from being an underwater formation, to a well inland above sea level formation, fully exposed to wind and sun, entirely destroyed every ten odd thousands years or so, interesting huh. Coral seems to have little problem re-settling as conditions change. There are coral cores that prove it, though they are little discussed for some reason?
Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
95 species were destroyed due to pollution from all the visitation by people wanting to see this amazing site.
If it passes the test of redundancy,
it bears repeating.
...omphaloskepsis often...
A) If they just now found this patch with so many various coral species, how can you ro anyone claim some particular coral species is extinct? It may still be alive, just somewhere they have not seen.
B) Perhaps you are confused by reports of bleaching? Because that does not "destroy" coral, they start to recover after a few years.
C) How did "visitation" kill anything? the GBR is highly controlled as to who can visit where.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
how much there is still to be discovered on our little planet earth.
and this was an area that was actively studies and monitored and they still managed to miss it.
makes you wonder what other things we haven't found yet.
On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero.
Obviously he stumbled upon nature's backup.
E Proelio Veritas.