Saving Coral Reefs: Unveiling the Key Role of Algae

In the heart of the world's most renowned coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, a team of intrepid marine scientists has stumbled upon an incredible treasure – four new species of algae, previously unknown to science. These remarkable algae, found in the Coral Sea and Lord Howe Island, have challenged long-held taxonomic assumptions and opened up a new chapter in our understanding of coral reef ecosystems.
"These newly identified algae belong to the genus Porolithon, a group of crustose coralline algae that play a crucial role in the delicate balance of coral reefs. They act as the foundation, the very bedrock upon which these intricate underwater cities thrive. These algae secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton that cements the reef's structure, providing a stable foundation for corals and other marine life to flourish.