Pictures taken this month by Nasa and US National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration satellites indicate that coral is being affected by the run-off at a greater rate than previously thought, the report said.
According to Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), they show sediment creating a hazy cloud in the water over the reef, blocking out sunlight and preventing photosynthesis, the process which keeps coral alive.
Andy Steven, a CSIRO scientist, said: “"Photos like these are a compelling reason for managers to go to farmers and say, we’ve got to make a concerted effort to reduce pollutants and sediments from getting into the water."
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photo by Leonard Low