Word on the Reef
Diving into marine science adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond!
Word on the Reef
S1 E9: Coral or Concrete: How the Great Barrier Reef was Saved from Coral Mining
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In the late 1960s, the Great Barrier Reef faced destruction from coral mining to supply materials for fertilizer and concrete. Few knew or cared about it, until a group of passionate volunteers stepped in to stop the devastation. In this episode, we meet Eddie Hegerl and Di Tarte, two of the original trailblazers who fought to protect the Reef. Hear their powerful story and explore the hidden history of how close we came to losing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Episode Image: A young Eddie Hegerl.
References:
- Daley, Ben, and Griggs, Peter (2006) Mining the reefs and cays: coral, guano and rock phosphate extraction in the Great Barrier Reef, 1844-1940. Environment and History, 12 (4). pp. 395-433.
- Wright, J. (2014). The Coral Battleground (3rd ed.). Spinifex Press.
- Bowen, J., & Bowen, M. (2002). The Great Barrier Reef: History, Science, Heritage. Cambridge University Press.
- McCalman, I. (2015). The Reef: A Passionate History (Reprint ed.). Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
See also: www.ninneyrise.com
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PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
- Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
- Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
- Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
- Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
- Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
- Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
- WWF Australia: Protect Nature
- Rising Tide: ...
