I expect the Australian government is looking for a way they can collect up the rocks to sell. Or better yet, give them away for free for someone else to sell.
The reef is a lost cause. Corals won't survive global warming. Even if we manage to limit warming to 1.5° a large fraction will die. Currently we're on a 4°+ course.
Coral is a living thing. It can't live in hot(ter) water.<p>Additionally, the minerals will dissolve in more acidic water.<p>The problems of coral reefs are caused by the water becoming hotter and more acidic. I fail to see how pumice makes the water cooler and more basic.
This should be flagged.<p>Why do people let crazy ideas like this get media time?<p>"Giant Hamburger Headed Towards Reef Could Replenish It".<p>Like the thing about robot fish saving the reef, or a garbage collecting boat clearing the plastic from the oceans.<p>May as well be writing about how aliens will be coming to save The Reef.<p>It enables climate change deniers.