Science News

Australia on Thursday pledged 52 million dollars (42 million US) to improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef, which is coming under increasing threat from toxic chemicals and climate change.

“This is the most significant investment any commonwealth government has put into our most important national treasure,” said Garrett.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the money would go to conservation and agriculture groups to help local farmers reduce run-off of pesticides and other chemicals into the World Heritage-listed reef.

Garrett said scientists, non-government groups and Aboriginal representatives would form an “extraordinary coalition of cooperative interests” to protect the reef.

“It does face significant pressures, not the least of which is climate change.”

The funding push follows new laws, passed in January, allowing for farmers to be fined if they allow pesticides and fertilisers to run off into the seas around the reef — described as the worlds largest living organism.

“Its a very, very important and powerful partnership and we have really high expectations that we can really start to take great care of this important natural asset,” he said.

Coral growth has slowed markedly on the 345,000-square-kilometre (133,000-square-mile) attraction off Australias northeast, with scientists blaming raised sea temperatures and higher acidity caused by global warming.