These aerial photos show the murky floodwater spreading across the Great Barrier Reef, 15 February 2019. Run-off from the recent floods in Australia is spreading out from the coast, with the potential to smother the fragile reef. Dr. Frederieke Koon from the Australian Institute of Marine Science however, told the BBC that the floodwater contains nutrients that have boosted algae growth in some areas, turning the water 'a thick blanket of green'. Photo: Matt Curnock / Reuters
These aerial photos show the murky floodwater spreading across the Great Barrier Reef, in February 2019. Run-off from the recent floods in Australia is spreading out from the coast, with the potential to smother the fragile reef. Dr. Frederieke Koon from the Australian Institute of Marine Science however, told the BBC that the floodwater contains nutrients that have boosted algae growth in some areas, turning the water “a thick blanket of green”. Photo: Matt Curnock / Reuters

By Liam James
15 February 2019

(The Independent) – Months after scientists warned it is at greater risk than ever, the Great Barrier Reef is facing a new challenge: dirty water.

Run-off from the recent floods in Australia is spreading from the coast with the potential to reach the fragile reef.

The floodwater is thick with sediment from the shore and scientists fear that this may block out the sun, preventing photosynthesis in the algae the coral relies on to survive.

Dr Frederieke Koon from the Australian Institute of Marine Science told the BBC the floodwater contains nutrients that have also boosted algae growth in some areas, turning the water into “a thick blanket of green”.

It is also feared the floodwater could contain pesticides that could prove extremely damaging to the reef. [more]

Great Barrier Reef at threat from dirty water due to recent floods