Across the nation, Plans have been made to dump one million tonnes of waste into the Australian Barrier Reef, despite strict laws on dumping waste.
Due to a legal loophole, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GMRMPA), has given permission for industrial residue to be dredged from the bottom Hay Point Port, one of the worlds largest coal exports.
Dr Simon Boxall from the National Oceanography Centre Southhampton, has reported that the dumping of the sludge could have a devastating effect, blanketing the coral and reducing its ability to function properly.