The Great Barrier Reef:
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The Reef ranges from 35 m average depth near the shore to 2000m offshore. It is the only natural feature on Earth that can be seen from outer space.
Unique Value
The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its immense biodiversity and complex ecosystem. It’s one of the most significant marine habitats globally, essential for both scientific research and cultural heritage.Over 9000 species live on the Reef with many more unknown at this stage.
Importance of The Great Barrier Reef:
- The Great Barrier Reef is a rich biodiversity hotspot that provides home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, as well as numerous marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the marine environment.
- The reef holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. So, protecting the reef is not only vital for biodiversity but also for preserving the cultural heritage of these Indigenous peoples.
- It acts as a natural barrier, protecting the Queensland coastline from powerful ocean waves, storm surges, and erosion.
- The Great Barrier Reef is a natural laboratory for marine scientists that helps inform conservation strategies not only in Australia but globally.
Reference: https://greatbarrierreef.org/
Key Drivers for Degradation of The Great Barrier Reef:
- Climate change is one of the major reasons for the death of the coral. Rising temperatures lead to coral bleaching that causes mass death of the corals.
- Construction of commercial and residential properties for tourist attraction is disrupting the marine ecosystem.
- Decline in marine water quality is caused by agricultural runoff of pesticides, causing over 90% of the pollution to the Reef. Marine debris such as plastics is also a pollution source to the Reef.
- Crown-of-thorns starfish’s population has drastically increased due to various human disturbances and these starfishes prey on corals that are causing damage to their population.
- The Reef ecosystem is being affected by unsustainable fishing practices including illegal fishing, overfishing, and bycatch of protected species, The value of the fishing is estimated at AUD$5.6 billion annually.
Solutions to Preserve the Area:
- Address Climate Change: Reduce carbon emissions to slow ocean warming and acidification, which are major threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Improve Water Quality: Strengthen agricultural practices to prevent harmful runoff, like fertilisers and pesticides, from reaching the reef and causing damage.
- Sustainable Fishing: Enforce fishing restrictions and establish no-fishing zones to protect marine species and prevent overfishing around the reef.
- Control Crown-of-thorns Starfish: Actively manage outbreaks of these coral-eating starfish through removal and natural predators to protect the reef’s coral.
- Expand Marine Protected Areas: Increase protected zones to limit human impact and safeguard critical areas of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Expand protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and reduce the impact of human activities on vulnerable reef sections.
- Powerful Laws: Enforce stronger environmental laws and hold companies accountable for harming the reef. International efforts should encourage Australia to cut carbon emissions.
- Community Involvement: Engage locals in coral restoration and educate them on sustainable ways to protect the reef.
- Eco-Friendly Tourism: Promote tourism that protects the reef and teaches visitors about its conservation. The tourism industry generates over AYD$6.4 billion dollars annually.
References:
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. (2023). Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2022). Threats to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Australian Government Department of the Environment. (2021). Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.
- UNESCO. (2021). World Heritage and the Great Barrier Reef.