Reef faces invasive species hazard

Harmful invasive species could be introduced into the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem due to a rise in shipping activity to service Queensland”s mining boom, a Federal Government adviser has warned.

Marnie Campbell, chairwoman of a scientific panel monitoring how the development of liquefied natural gas hubs off Gladstone and the resulting increase in vessel traffic will affect marine life around the reef, believes biosecurity is a growing danger.

A predicted rise in coal exports is expected to produce huge growth in shipping through waters close to the Great Barrier Reef over the next decade…. Source