University of Queensland-led research has shown there is more coral reef area across the globe than previously thought, with detailed satellite mapping helping to conserve these vital ecosystems.
University of Queensland-led research has shown there is more coral reef area across the globe than previously thought, with detailed satellite mapping helping to conserve these vital ecosystems.
Dr Mitchell Lyons from UQ’s School of the Environment, working as part of the Allen Coral Atlas project, said scientists have now identified 348,000 square kilometres of shallow coral reefs, up to 20-30 metres deep.
“This revises up our previous estimate of shallow reefs in the world’s oceans,” Dr Lyons said.
“Importantly, the high-resolution, up-to-date mapping satellite technology also allows us to see what these habitats are made from.
Read more at: University of Queensland
A shallow coral reef on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. (Photo Credit: Chris Roelfsema)
