Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey says using "shade cloth" over parts of the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland could protect it from the harmful effects of global warming.

Earlier this week, Britain's Stern report said climate change could cause a global economic downturn and bleach the reef.

Ms Bailey says the shade cloth idea came from a scientist who found that coral in natural shade was healthier than that in direct sunlight.

"One part of the reef the coral had vibrant colours and another part of the reef the colours weren't as vibrant, and he was trying to find the scientific reason for this," she said.

"And [he] discovered upon coming up to the surface, that that part of the reef that had vibrant colours was actually being given natural shade."

One of the suggestions is to attach the shade cloth to pontoons, which is an idea Ms Bailey says is worth considering if it will help protect the reef.

"We're very concerned because this is a $5.8 billion tourist industry on the reef, employing 33,000 people," she said.

"So obviously we're tackling this problem from both ends - the cause of the problem and also trying to find practical ways to mitigate the problem."