water levels rise at alarming rate in victoria, page-16

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Coral Sea a hotspot for marine life
Environment reporter Sarah Clarke
Updated August 20, 2011 07:51:51

** A report on the state of the Coral Sea off north Queensland has found that it is one of the last places on earth where large marine animals can still be found in solid numbers.

The most comprehensive assessment of marine life in the Coral Sea has identified it as a global biodiversity hotspot.

The study identified at least 18 reef systems which are brimming with marine life.

Marine ecologist Daniela Ceccarelli says the southern part of the Coral Sea is a "hotspot for biodiversity."

She says 28 species of whales and dolphins were recorded, as well as oceanic and reef sharks in larger-than-expected numbers.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-20/coral-report-mammal-numbers/2848110