Something must be done! Or maybe not. In the wake of the massive human and environmental destruction caused by the 26 December tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the natural reaction is to try everything possible to put things right. But research commissioned by the World Bank suggests that when it comes to coral reefs, trying the opposite would be more effective.
Governments in the region are looking at engineering proposals to restore battered reefs, including re-cementing corals or constructing artificial concrete and wire reefs.
“Quick fixes are being offered to governments, but these restoration projects are totally unproven,” says marine biologist Alasdair Edwards, who chairs the…
