Great Barrier Reef: scientists identify potential life support system

Researchers say 'source reefs' could produce larvae and help repair damage by bleaching and starfish

A group of "source" reefs have been identified that could form the basis of a life support system for the Great Barrier Reef, helping repair damage by bleaching, starfish and other disturbances.

Researchers from the University of Queensland, CSIRO, Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Sheffield searched the Great Barrier Reef for ideal areas that could potentially produce larvae and support the recovery of other damaged reefs.