News Release May 11th, 2009
Joint research project to study coral at Julian Rocks
The study will look at coral at Julian Rocks in
Cape Byron Marine Park.
A collaborative research project, between the Cape Byron Marine Park and the Southern Cross University is under way, to investigate the health of coral communities at Julian Rocks, a popular dive spot located in the Cape Byron Marine Park.
The study is being led by Simon Hartley, from the university’s School of Environmental Science and Management.
Mr Hartley said studies on tropical coral communities have shown that damage caused by divers may result in impacts such as reduced coral cover and an increased incidence of coral disease.
“If recreational diving is to maintain its popularity at Julian Rocks, the corals divers want to experience must be protected. We need to understand the effects of recreational diving on the coral communities so we can ensure the ongoing future of this important resource,” Mr Hartley said.
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