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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
02-26-2020 04:20:00
After one of the worst ships in the worlds, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is now entering the next phase of the Douglas Shoal Medicine Project and plans to begin a procurement process this year to bring in a treatment contractor.
Douglas Shoal is 90 kilometers off the northeast coast of Australia, near the main port of Gladstone. The Douglas Shoal Treatment Project addresses antifouling paint contamination and widespread, unstained debris caused by the establishment of the fully loaded coal bearing Shen Neng 1 in 2010.
With a footprint of more than 40 hectares, this is the most recognizable ground scarf in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and possibly the entire world. The main goal of the $ 35 million AUD project is to support the natural regeneration of the hunt.
A site assessment conducted in 2019 provided more information about the location of the site and updated the treatment priority areas. Ten years after the established event, pollution and debris still prevent natural recovery. A recently completed options analysis identified a range of treatment modalities in consideration of the project’s objectives.
Priority treatment areas have been upgraded to a total of approximately 10 hectares. These areas have variable features such as channels, flat areas, small gorges and holes, which are affected by debris or pollution. Analysis of the options showed that debris and contamination removal is the most suitable treatment option, although the project remains open to consider non-removal methods.
The project is looking for innovative technology to achieve the highest environmental standards, with a focus on the sensitive location in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Further information including project updates, opportunities and technical reports can be found on the project webpage here.
The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not be those of the Marine Government.