FOR decades Queensland scientists have been trying to prove an impact from agriculture, particularly agricultural pesticides, on the Great Barrier Reef.
One way they can create the perception of a problem is to use a dodgy survey method involving the repeat targeting of reefs disproportionately affected by crown-of-thorn starfish outbreaks and reefs with insufficient time to recover from cyclones while ignoring more representative reefs. I detail this peer-reviewed scam here…
Another way to create the perception of a major problem is to spend tens of millions of dollars on computer modelling. That is what this e-reef program is all about...
The power of these fancy computer models, that include a detailed simulation of the virtual pollution problem, is an increasing feature of modern science as detailed in a great book entitled, Science and Public Policy – The Virtuous Corruption of Virtual Environmental Science by Professor Aynsley Kellow from the University of Tasmania.
The book if full of quotable quotes including...
“In the absence of hypotheses which might be falsified by observational data, the extensive use of mathematical models introduces a virtual landscape where species, real and virtual, live and die, and where their utility to noble political causes restricts the scepticism of those who might question the validity of such ‘science’.
“Endangered species become not just trumps, but face cards in the game of politics used to create advantage.”
“The increased emphasis on mathematics which lent ecology its scientific gravitas helped steer it towards virtual science rather than experimental science, and it never shook off its normative shackles.”
And if you want to read even more about the scam that is taxpayer funded Great Barrier Reef science click here… https://climatelab.com.au/saving-the-great-barrier-reef/
It is known that sand from southeast Victoria is transported to Frazer Island Queensland by the Australian east coast alongshore current sediment dispersal system.
Sewage from east coast cities and towns is dumped into alongshore current waters.
Nutrients from human bodies and within the sewage system become bonded to the fresh water.
Fresh water dumped in sea water rises to the surface.
Ocean surface water is driven by prevailing winds, prevailing on the Australian east coast from the south and south east
Question:
How can GBRMPA and JC Uni science quantify and identify the nutrient source difference between, (a) natural nutrient loads, (b) farm nutrient loads, (c) human sewage nutrient loading, the latter being dumped daily and transported northwards in alongshore current that also reaches tidally into upper estuary waters?
It looks as if congratulations are in order for Australians on their election.
Congrats!
Stable Population Party... what a joke. We need to grow Australia and Robert's comment on developing a greater middle class worldwide, is the only way to go.
All this talk of runoff to the reef is one thing.
However, it appears to be happening in the absence of considerations of ocean currents.
There is a HUGE current that runs from south to north along the east coast of Oz. This is part of larger circulating currents that slosh around in all oceans.
This coastal current is what keeps carrying all manner of stuff northwards along the coast. For a fairly sizable example, see Fraser Island.
Anything that flows to sea along the eastern seaboard does not just get dumped directly offshore, but is carried northwards.
The dilution factor needs to be examined as well. There is a LOT of moving water between the mainland and the notional boundaries of the reef. And the reef is not exactly like a solid, concrete wall.
I am not condoning poor or outright harmful farming practices.
However, I reckon a little less "Chicken Littling" from the “concerned citizens” would be a nice change.
my only reply to those who propose reducing the "current" population numbers is; after you my good fellow!