Aus. Gov. Reports Great Barrier Reef Condition "Poor", Seagrass "Very Poor"; Decades To Recover

[hatrack]

The much-awaited report was released following warnings by the United Nations that it will consider downgrading the heritage status of the famous 1,500-mile stretch of reefs and cays along the Queensland coast.

The government's report found the coral reefs were in a poor state and that seagrass was in a "very poor condition".

It said the overall condition of the world's largest coral reef had worsened since 2009 due to cyclones and floods, as well as agricultural pollution flowing into the water. Pollution levels had reduced but well below their expected targets of 50 per cent reductions by 2013.

The report found major flooding in 2010 to 2011 and the subsequent Cyclone Yasi reduced overall coral cover by 15 per cent. "Full recovery will take decades," it said.

EDIT

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/10170929/Great-Barrier-Reefs-condition-declines-to-poor.html

[xchrom]

1. du rec.