Port Macquarie environmental warrior Addam Lockley has turned his hand to inventing as he attempts to create a device to prevent coral bleaching.
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The Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast president has unveiled ambitious plans for a Coral Cooling Pod designed to chill sea water and prevent coral bleaching.
Mr Lockley said he is heading towards a first prototype after investing 12 months and about $6,000 on the planned pumping unit.
"The Coral Cooling Pod pumps water into the unit and then pumps the cooler water out at the bottom of the unit on to the coral to prevent coral bleaching," he said.
"It runs on solar and wind energy and has storage batteries to store power to ensure the pod continues to run.
"I think people are unaware what's happening to the Great Barrier Reef and how much is being bleached.
"The whole idea was to find something sustainable and powerful enough to chill water because you're not going to shutdown coal burning plants overnight or stop cars driving in a day to reduce carbon dioxide emissions."
Mr Lockley has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for two prototypes costing around $100,000.
"The funds raised will be utilised to build two prototypes and test them at a designated area where bleaching has occurred on the Great Barrier Reef," he said.
"I have so much love for the ocean and the creatures that live in it and want to do everything possible to conserve and protect it.
"Any support is much appreciated and possibly could save our reefs and marine life before it is too late.
"To be able to build and test these units would mean the world to me and provide hope that technology may be able to reverse the current bleaching and prevent future bleaching."
Mr Lockley said the pods may also potentially be used in preventing fish kills in the Murray Darling Basin, by modifying the temperature and oxygen content of the water.
To contribute to the fundraising for the development of the prototype, CLICK HERE.
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