Research hope for coral reefs

Published on 20/08/2012 00:37

Careful balancing of water nutrients could protect coral reefs from the effects of ocean warming, research shows.

High water temperatures can lead to “bleaching” that often results in the destruction and death of coral. Mass bleaching has already had a devastating impact on coral reef ecosystems.

Study leader Dr Jorg Wiedenmann, from Southampton University, said: “A balanced reduction of the nutrient input in coastal waters could help to mitigate the effects of increasing seawater temperatures on coral reefs.”