I will start off by giving a little background information on the Great Barrier Reef and its environmental effects.
The Great Barrier Reef located just off the coast of Queensland in Australia, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This reef is also the largest coral reef system on the planet and attracts billions of tourists year round. I have never been to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef, however; from what I have researched upon, it is truly a beautiful natural attraction that everyone should see. There is a wide diversity of life under the sea, with a number of species ranging from the coral to marine life; with some even falling under the endangered bracket.
Even with all the beautiful natural features, the Great Barrier Reef is facing major environmental issues at this time. In my research I have found a lot of the threats are due to global change threats and direct human pressure. The global threats I have found to be a problem include; coral bleaching which is the biggest problem and caused by ocean acidification, low tides, climate change and excess nutrients from the rivers flowing in. Sea level rise due to melting polar ice, and pollution is a huge problem which is also causing the coral bleaching.
Recreational fishing has become a big problem, as QueensIslanders across 2,500 km of reef have caused a threat to the extinction of its native and exotic fish species. The development of coastal areas for tourism includes reclamation and mining of coral reef rock and sand, which is becoming a major threat for the sustainability of this supposed protected area.
These are some of the biggest environmental threats to the Great Barrier Reef, however; as we all know, global warming is really becoming a problem in society today. From a study done in 2005 by Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, head of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Marine Studies, it is said the reef could lose 95% of its living coral by 2050, should the ocean temperatures increase by the 1.5 degrees Celsius projected by scientists.
I feel that all of these issues need to be looked at closer to try and prevent things from getting worse and loosing this natural wonder of the world.
This website from the Australia Government – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority reports important information in regards to climate change, conservation, heritage and indigenous partnerships, tourism and recreation, fisheries and water quality and coastal development for the protection and knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef. The post information ranging from facts about the reef, exploration information for tourists wishing to explore the reef, as well as environmental issues happening for example the impact cyclone Yasi had on the reef. This site has expanded my knowledge greatly what is exactly happening with the Great Barrier Reef today.
That is all for this week, I will continue my research and report back next week with more information on the environmental impacts of the Great Barrier Reef
Kelsie
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