Some seaweed hampers coral recovery: research
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North Queensland marine scientists have discovered some types of seaweed are affecting the speed of coral recovery after damage from bleaching and storms.
A researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Dr Laurence McCook, says the research has found that seaweed produces chemicals and while some encourage coral larvae to settle, some repel them.
Dr McCook says there are ways to help ensure the seaweed is the type that will help the reef to recover.
"If we have a lot of sediments and nutrients that can enhance the growth of the bad seaweeds,
that means the landscape becomes less friendly for baby corals, for new corals to settle and grow," he said.
"Managing the agriculture to limit the run-off of sediments and nutrients ensures that the right types of seaweeds are growing rather than the wrong kinds."
