Environment

Plastics aid coral disease

Posted on: Sun 11 Feb 2018

Just when we thought that coral reefs were facing enough danger from problems like climate change and mass bleaching events, another issue has emerged.

Recent research found that there are more than 11 billion pieces of plastic debris on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific.

The research also found that corals in contact with this plastic are 20 times more susceptible to disease.

To find out more, Barometer’s Des Lawrence speaks to Bette Willis, Professor in Marine Biology at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University.

Produced by Des Lawrence

Image: NOAA

Barometer

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