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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Coral Reef's Slow Growth Worries Scientists

They blame climate change for trouble

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(Newser) – The Great Barrier Reef isn't growing as fast as it should, and the consequences could be devastating for the vast species of marine life that it supports, say Australian scientists. A 13% decline in coral growth rate since 1990 is the first such drop in 400 years, says their report in Science. Global warming is one of the culprits, along with increasingly acidic seawater, notes the BBC. 

Coral reefs offer refuge for thousands of types of animals, and a silent world for divers to explore.
Coral reefs offer refuge for thousands of types of animals, and a silent world for divers to explore.   (Flickr)
This photo from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, shows white coral syndrome in Great Barrier Reef. Coral reefs in much of the Pacific Ocean are dying faster than previously thought.
This photo from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, shows white coral syndrome in Great Barrier Reef. Coral reefs in much of the Pacific Ocean are dying faster than previously thought.   (AP Photo/Australian Institute of Marine Science, File)
Coral reefs deaths are driven by climate change, disease and coastal development. In the Great Barrier Reef, new coral is being grown much more slowly than in past decades.
Coral reefs deaths are driven by climate change, disease and coastal development. In the Great Barrier Reef, new coral is being grown much more slowly than in past decades.   (AP Photo)
The Great Barrier Reef's corals provide habitats for thousands of species. Global warming and rising acidity in seawater are slowing the creation of new coral.
The Great Barrier Reef's corals provide habitats for thousands of species. Global warming and rising acidity in seawater are slowing the creation of new coral.   (Flickr)
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