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Great Barrier Reef Research Paper

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Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one ot the most popular places in the world to visit with over 2 million visitors each year. It is located along the coast of Australia and home to the world’s largest collection of corals. It also hold many species of animals as well as a few endangered species. But think, if we aren’t careful, in as soon as just fifty years, the reef could be dead, killing all life it contains along with it. Because the Great Barrier Reef is often misunderstood, it is importsnt to know the facts about the glory of the reef, its devestatingly decline, and ways we can help enhance it.
The Great Barrier Reef is a marvelous place to visit givin its size, history, and the beautiful scenes it creates. The reef covers …show more content…

Global warming and climate change is the biggest threat the reef is having to face. Global warming is an effect of pollution caused by humans. Rapid urban development causes an increase ic carbon emissions which leads to an increase in greenhouse gases. A build-up of these gases cause temperatures to rise which will also increase the ocean temperature. This will have a negative affect on coral and put them under stress because they need a stable climate to thrive. During times of stress algae called zooxanthellae (gives coral vibrant colors) is expelled leaving the coral bleached white. This is called coral bleaching (Smithsonian). There have been two mass coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2002 (Great Barrier Reef). But, scientists anounce that these events aren’t over with yet. In fact, they will start to become more common with the rise of oean temperatures. Scientists are predicting that the biggest coral bleaching event yet will take place in the next few months (Smithsonian). Pollution and waste are also big factors in the decline of the reef. Not only do they affect the Great Barrier Reef, but many other ecosystems as well. Eight percent of the coastline along the Great Barrier Reef is used for cattle grazing or crop growing. Fertilisers, pesticides, and animal waste are all things that farms either use or produce and

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