Sticking to reef restoration
The Great Barrier Reef is not only a social and iconic asset for Australians, it is also worth a lot of money.
First published at Shaping Australia Awards by Queensland University of Technology
The Great Barrier Reef is not only a social and iconic asset for Australians, it is also worth a lot of money. The reef is valued at $56 billion and generates $6.4 billion annually to the Australian economy. Similarly, the Great Southern Reef supports important ecosystems valued more than $11 billion each year.
However, we all know Australia’s valuable natural assets are threatened by human activities and accelerating climate change. That’s why the Queensland University of Technology’s Bioadhesives Team turned their attention to what they could do to help restore, prevent and reverse damage.
The team began developing a new range of ecofriendly underwater bioadhesives optimised for coral transplanting and stabilising coral rubble to repair damaged coral reefs. They are also now trialing new underwater bioadhesives to restore kelp forests on the Great Southern Reef.
A stated goal is to plant up to 100 million corals per year by 2030 to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef.
The underwater adhesive development puts the team on the cusp of revolutionising marine restoration practices and positions Australia as a leader in reducing the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Looking to the future, sustainable and scalable underwater adhesives will find uses in defense, research and commercial sectors.
