Page 21 - Tropic Magazine Issue 19

TROPIC • ENVIRONMENT
Home Grown

HELPING HAND
A Port Douglas reef operator’s simple yet effective invention
has revolutionised the way baby corals are planted.
Words Renee Cluff
A clever clip invented to secure baby coral reef locations. Marine biogeochemist
to nursery beds has proven so successful Dr Emma Camp from the UTS Future
in an initial trial they’re now being Reefs research program said the clip is a
used at five prominent reef sites. Their game changer because of its scalability.
low-tech design is the brainchild of John “This new device completely changes
Edmondson, who operates snorkelling the viability for this approach,” she said.
tour company Wavelength Reef Cruises “It makes the time to replant the coral
with his wife Jenny. “John wanted a fragments at least 10 to 20 times faster
system that was cheap and available,” Ms than previously possible.”
Edmondson told Tropic. “The idea is that Boosted by state and federal government
the clip is hammered into the reef and it’s funding, almost 6,000 coral fragments
spring loaded to hold the coral in place in were grown and planted at Opal Reef as
the face of wave motion and particularly part of a feasibility study. The next phase,
grazing fish.” which began in July, is aimed at proving
The pair partnered with the University of the concept at multiple reef sites. Five
Technology, Sydney to kickstart the Coral other tour operators, including Ocean
Nurture Program, whose unique focus Free and Ocean Freedom, Passions of
is not on reef restoration but long term Paradise, Sailaway and Quicksilver Group
stewardship at economically valuable are involved.

Pics: Coral Nurture

Renewable boom

Both large scale renewable energy plants 32
and small scale solar installations in spots
such as suburban rooftops are on the rise 47%
across Far North Queensland, while Cairns Total number of renewable
Regional Council has made significant energy plants - current,
strides in reducing its greenhouse gas 16, 082 under construction and Reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions over the past decade. proposed
emissions by Cairns Regional
Council in 2017/18 compared
to 2007/08 levels
Total small scale
solar installations in
Cairns region
Sources: Clean Energy Regulator, Queensland Department of Natural
Resources, Mines and Energy, Cairns Regional Council

21 • tropicnow.com.au