The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is one of Australia’s first and most significant world heritage sites. It is also one of the most ecologically diverse and the largest reef systems worldwide (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2013). Anthropogenic pressure on the GBR dates back to 150 years ago. Land clearing, agriculture, overfishing, poaching of endangered species such as humpback whales and human-induced climate change have posed a serious threat to GBR’s biodiversity in the past and present (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2013). Over the past 30 years, issues relating to water quality and irresponsible poaching and fishing practices have been addressed effectively. The Marine Park Zoning Plan of 2003 and Great Barrier reef water quality protection plan have become the primary management tools for GBR, along with a $375 million grant by the Queensland government to support various policy instruments such as a daily cap on some fish catches, protection zones for endangered species such as dugongs and improved reef monitoring and collaboration wih the local community (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park …show more content…
The outlook indicated that the reef had various stressors such as climate change, overfishing, pollutant runoff from industrial and agricultural sites and coastal development was still having a significant impact on the reefs biodiversity (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2013). In response to this the Great Barrier Reef conservation strategy of 2013 (GBRCS) was developed and implemented by NSW and QLD governments, community, industry, and indigenous groups in order to incorporate a national management initiative to ensure the ecological sustainability of GBR resources by prioritizing, addressing and reducing major threats (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2013). The Great Barrier Reef conservation strategy of 2013 is significant on a local, state and federal
Australia is in debt to The Great Barrier Reef as it has brought economic and environmental stability not just to Australia, but the World, from a business and ethical standpoint everyone must put an end in this growing issue.
The Great Barrier Reef is under threat due to many human impacts and natural impacts. These impacts lead to other consequences that may harm our society as well. For example, if the Great Barrier Reef was to be damaged by pollution, tourism levels would decrease, which can lead to a drop in the economic stance of Australia. For these reasons, it is important to keep our ecosystems safe and protected. Some of the human impacts towards the Great Barrier Reef include:
The GBRMPA as an organisation strives to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by ensuring all human interactions with the reef are ecologically sustainable and maintain it’s natural
What do you think about when you hear the words Great Barrier Reef? Most people would imagine turquoise water, colourful and littered with endless fish, rays, sharks and turtles. Most people would imagine an everlasting wonder that has existed for tens of thousands of years, preserved by its sheer size and beauty. An icon indeed that is seen from Space. Being as reputable as it is, the Great Barrier Reef is surely not in any sort of danger right? Many believe that the reef is under no such danger however the scientific community old grave fears that Australia’s wonder of the world is in fact under threat, and is potentially facing its untimely ruin in our lifetimes.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beloved regions of the world but due to recent human activity in surrounding areas and subsequent sediment delivery, coral and seagrass habits within are being negatively impacted. Extending 2000km along the North-eastern Australian coast (Brodie et al., 2007), the Great Barrier Reef is a major source of income for Northern Australia and fuels the growth of local businesses. As industrialization in areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon have increased since European settlement (McCulloch et al., 2003), the need for more resources to compensate for human population has led to harmful land practices such as overstocking and deforestation for cattle grazing inland. These are causing a significant
The Australian Government acknowledge that ocean acidification is one of the highest risk factors to the Great Barrier Reef and have documented their plans to reduce this threat to the reef in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015). The Australian Government and the Queensland Government are working in partnership to fund projects and apply laws that will sustain this World heritage area. These projects include the Green Climate Fund which targets emissions reduction and the $2.55 billion pledge towards the Emissions Reduction Fund which creates positive incentives to cut emissions (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015). However, only time and the continual monitoring of the reef by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park will provide evidence of whether this funding will reduce ocean acidification to sustain the future of the
While government officials looked the other way, half of the coral has disappeared from along the length of the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, vast areas of the reef’s coral have suffered serious degradation. It isn’t surprising that the area’s unique level of biodiversity is being threatened by the damage as well.
The Great Barrier Reef always under constant threat due to pollution, human use, global warming, crown thorn starfish and more. The Australian Governments putting new systems in place to try and save the reef. They currently have the 2050 reef plan in action as a long-term sustainability strategy along with contributing millions of dollars to the Reef Trust.
Because the GBR is such a highly visited tourist attraction for snorkeling and diving, there has been a large number of human structures that have been built in natural areas. Every five years, the Australian government publishes an Outlook Report that examines the Great Barrier Reef’s health, pressures, and likely future. “The report is required under Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (section 54) and aims to provide a regular and reliable means of assessing reef health and management in an accountable and transparent way.” The report shows the actions that have been taken since 2009, including the focus on improving the quality of water that runs off the land. The increased freshwater run-off is in direct relation to the coastal development that has occurred since the major bleaching events have begun. The report released in 2009, states that the greatest risks to the Reef are still climate change, land-based runoff, coastal development, and some remaining impacts of fishing and illegal fishing and poaching. The report points out climate change as being the main cause of the destruction or bleaching of the reef (Department of Environment and Energy 2017). Most observers conclude that the climate change is a direct result of human
Economic development is mostly compatible with maintaining the long-term biodiversity and ecosystem functions of the Great Barrier Reef as shown by its economic contribution. In north-east Queensland
Consequently, there are two important factors that contribute to the ignorance of the Great Barrier Reef ‘s impacts. First, Mr. Hunt’s
Environmental sustainability refers to the ability to maintain the qualities that are valued in the physical environment (Sutton, 2004). Threats to these features of the environment mean that there is a risk that these will not be maintained (Sutton, 2004). For example, damage that is done to the natural environment can generate threats of serious decline in quality or destruction (Sutton, 2004). The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is one of the seven wonders of the world, however, it is slowly facing decline. Threats to the Great Barrier Reef include climate change, coral bleaching, a major outburst of the Crown-of-thorns starfish and tourism. The Australian Government’s response to the recommendations of the United Nations Educational, Scientific
Since the beginning of time man has shown a desire to alter his physical surroundings based on his perception of inequalities, injustices, survival or even due to his own innovations. Perhaps it stems from the primal instinct to survive and along with that a common theme behind this desire seems to be an effort to make the world a better place, either more aesthetically pleasing, or easier to survive in. Technological advances for human survival and comfort may come at the expense of animals, climate, air, land and sea. Human ignorance often leads to the natural wonders of our world being destroyed due to these technological advances and human arrogance. Humans have wiped out many species that they come in contact with and almost destroyed other natural environments and ecosystems. Along the northeast coast of Australia is a cluster of reefs known as the Great Barrier Reef, the most diverse underwater phenomenon in our world. This natural wonder is not being cared for and everyone needs to take responsibility for what is happening to this reef, especially in adjacent locations and help in as many ways as possible. The Australian Government is responsible for the protection of the natural resources within their country. They need to act as the main spokesperson for the Great Barrier Reef. The government needs to be more proactive because if nothing is done the Great Barrier Reef will no longer exist. Even though it is not just the Australian Government that is to blame for
The protection of the Great Barrier Reef is a major priority for the communities and government of Australia. However, international organisations such as UNESCO and WWF are working together with Australia to protect and build the resilience of the Great Barrier
Great Barrier Reef. Australia has adopted EBM to protect its coral reefs. As well it uses EBM to regulate the fish populations. It has gone further than any other country in enshrining EBM principles into law (McShane, Broadhurst, and Williams, 2007). The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is one of the great natural heritage sights not just in Australia but in the world. It is taking the right approach in protecting this great natural wonder. Olsson, Folke, and Hughes, (2008) reported, “The transformation process was induced by increased pressure on the Great Barrier Reef from terrestrial runoff, over-harvesting, and global warming that triggered a new sense of urgency to address these challenges”. It is unfortunate that change did not occur until the danger to the reef reached a critical status, but the Australian government moved fast and the reef is in much better shape now.