Oz government's plan can't save Great Barrier Reef, say scientists

Australia's Academy of Science has recently said that the Australian government's draft plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef cannot prevent its decline.

The scientists have argued that the plan failed to effectively address major factors driving the reef's decline, including climate change, poor water quality, coastal development and fishing, the BBC reported.

Academy Fellow Professor Terry Hughes has said that a much bolder action was needed as the reef was degraded and its condition has been worsening.

But a press release from the office of Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt has said that the government had a clear plan and a strong commitment to ensure the reef would get healthy and resilient and they were making a strong progress.

The plan will eventually be submitted to the World Heritage Centre in late January, for consideration by Unesco's World Heritage Committee mid-next year.

Unesco has threatened to place the reef on its List of World Heritage in Danger.