BY JARROD MELMETH
A species of coral exclusive to the waters of Port Stephens is currently under threat and could be extinct within a decade if more isn't done to protect it.
Dendronephthya Asutralis looks like a purple cauliflower with its pink lilac stems and branches, crowned with white polyps, and its presence is popular with divers and underwater photographers.
Its also has a job within the waters ecosystem as a habitat for crabs, seahorses and other juvenile fishes as well as a filter-feeding mechanism.
New research shows the coral species is danger from threats such as anchoring, fishing, and development that may magnify sand movement.
Major flooding in March this year is also being blamed for wiping out as much as 90 per cent of the remaining population.
The floods caused a large amount of fresh water, which harms the coral, to flow from the Karuah River into the Port Stephens Estuary.
PhD Candidate Meryl Larkin says we must try and reduce the threats which we know about.
"Before the flood events we had a couple of months ago they were declining. In eight years we established the population had declined about 70 per cent.
"Modelling has shown there is some relationship with where it is declining and sand movements. We have also observed anchors and moorings do destroy areas.
"We are working towards trying to find ways to help them recover, but obviously the urgent thing to do is to give them that better protection to help them stabilise.
"We are so lucky to have such an amazing and diverse array of reefs right here in the Hunter and its so important to protect them," Ms Larkin said.
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| The distinctive coral species which is exclusive to Port Stephens. Photo: The Conversation. |
