Battle of the Caribbean: Seaweed vs coral

Seaweed that grows in the Caribbean blooms four times faster than seaweed in the Pacific Ocean.

But this is bad news for Caribbean coral reefs. If seaweeds bloom faster, corals are less likely to recover once they have been damaged.

Seaweed and coral are in a constant fight for space in the ocean.

Scientists have known for some time that seaweeds can gain the upper hand if corals are damaged by hurricanes or excessively warm sea temperatures that cause coral bleaching.

Read more at University of Queensland

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  1. Tom Hennessy

    Retired

    Seaweed has a hundred year shelf life. If one were to harvest this seaweed for fertiliser and food one might be able to 'manage' the coral ? PLUS the added benefits , the seaweed has a builtin herbicides and bacteriocides.
    "Effect of dietary addition of seaweed and licorice on the immune
    performance of pigs"
    "Replacement of antibiotics by naturally derived dietary additives might be feasible for immune system enhancement."

    report