Norfolk Island’s unique corals under triple threat from disease, El Niño and now government-approved dredging

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Unique coral species around Norfolk Island face significant threats from disease, El Niño, and a government-approved dredging project, which could accelerate coral loss. Sediment and pollution from cattle farming and wastewater contribute to coral disease and algal outbreaks in the region.

Exclusive: Most of the island’s corals are likely to be species that have not been formally described by science, researcher says Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Scientists fear unique corals that fringe Australia’s remote Norfolk Island could disappear because of a triple threat of disease, El Niño and a federal government plan to dredge a neighbouring shipping channel. A failure to manage sediment and pollution washing into bays from cattle farming, cleared land along with wastewater has been blamed for widespread disease and outbreaks of algae over the corals. Continue reading...