Environmental issues with coral reefs

Parts of Australia's beleaguered Great Barrier Reef now have the highest levels of coral cover seen in decades, a government report said Thursday, suggesting the aquatic wonder could survive given the chance.

As muddy rainwater surged from Hawaii's steep seaside mountains and inundated residential communities last month, the damage caused by flooding was obvious: Houses were destroyed and businesses swamped, landslides covered highways and raging rivers and streams were clogged with debris.

Coral-munching crown-of-thorns starfish can be safely killed by common household vinegar, scientists revealed April 27 in a discovery that offers hope for Australia's struggling Great Barrier Reef.