31/05/2016
Adam Walton visits the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University to learn about coral bleaching.
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Reef Research
In our mind’s eye, we can picture a pristine coral reef. Shimmering shapes and colours set against azure blue, all teeming with marine life. But it’s a fragile beauty and one increasingly under threat.
A recent study suggested that around half the Great Barrier Reef is now affected by coral bleaching, where warmer water causes the coral to expel algae. It’s a growing problem which,  along with ocean acidification, is threatening life on the reef.
To find out more,  Adam Walton visits the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, where scientists have been studying these important eco-systems for many years. He talks to Prof John Turner about the cause of bleaching and to Dr Gareth Williams, who is gathering data and information from shallow water coral reefs.
Of course bleaching is a problem for warm water reefs - which we are all familiar with. But cold water reefs, found off the coast of Scotland and Norway are increasingly attracting the attention of scientists. Bangor's Dr Andy Davies explains why these huge formations in deep water are equally fascinating.
Broadcasts
- Tue 31 May 2016 18:30Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio Wales
- Sun 5 Jun 2016 06:31Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio Wales