Sarah Jacksson
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching for 2,300 kilometres, over three hundred and forty square kilometres. With over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the reef is a unique natural wonder that can be explored by tourists and scientists alike. To help you understand the importance of this natural wonder, learn more about it below. And be sure to make a trip to this tropical island while you’re in Australia!
Coral cover is likely to decline to 5-10% by 2022
If global emissions of greenhouse gases continue at their current rate, coral cover is predicted to decline by as much as five percent by 2022. This decline is already higher than the rate of population growth, and it is projected to become more rapid. Nevertheless, the overall trend is worrying: global temperatures are expected to rise by about 2°C per decade. Moreover, corals are particularly vulnerable to temperature spikes. If we’re serious about saving the planet’s corals, we should act now.
The study’s objectives were to examine spatial patterns of coral cover, the main causes of coral mortality, the capacity of reefs to recover, and future trends in coral cover. These objectives were achieved through 2,258 reef surveys from 214 different reefs over a period of 27 years. The researchers employed standardized manta-tow sampling protocols to assess coral cover and other factors. However, there are still uncertainties about future trends of coral cover.
Although the study did not examine herbivore fishing as a driver of the coral cover decline, it did find a number of reasons for the trend. Fishing is a primary culprit of this decline. Recent studies have questioned the role of fishing in the reduction of coral cover. These authors suggest that global fishing activities are a major factor in the loss of coral. But the most significant factor may be climate change.
Climate change
Coral reefs are the habitat of many animals, including fish. Record-breaking temperatures and mass bleaching in 2016 and 2017 have weakened coral reefs and threatened fish populations. The drastic changes, described by Professor Hughes, are alarming. The Australian government pledged $1 billion over nine years to help improve coral health. However, critics argue that this money does not address the main problem of climate change, which is rising ocean temperatures. The government is resisting calls to cut carbon emissions, a factor which would reduce coral bleaching.
Coral reefs have already undergone significant changes due to human activity, including pollution. Increasingly warm ocean temperatures have been blamed for polluting Queensland waters. But marine scientists say that the largest culprit behind the coral bleaching is human-caused climate change. Corals receive their colour from algae. When temperatures increase, algae grow too quickly and die off, which causes corals to lose their vibrant hues. Scientists have compared the effect of coral bleaching to that of prolonged drought.
The researchers compared temperatures in corals in models with increased ocean pollution to those in normal conditions. The analysis did not undergo peer review, but was published by nonprofit news site The Conversation. This research suggests that coral bleaching temperatures may become average or cool by the 2030s. While the findings aren’t conclusive, it is important to note that corals are not the only organisms in danger. Changing sea temperatures and pH levels can cause coral bleaching to occur earlier or later than normal.
Human activities
The study of human activities on the Great Barrier Reef is an important step toward understanding how to manage these ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef is an immense marine ecosystem that supports diverse species and is an important source of people’s food, livelihood, and recreation. If successful, the Great Barrier Reef’s management could provide a model for managing other ecosystems. However, many questions remain. Here are some of the challenges to be aware of.
The most immediate threat to the Great Barrier Reef is climate change. The vast majority of the current threat to the reef is due to global emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, from fossil fuels, agriculture, and land clearing. This is a major concern, as the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached its highest level in 800,000 years. The rapid increase of greenhouse gases has altered climate patterns at unprecedented rates. Since pre-industrial times, the average global temperature has increased one degree Celsius. This warming trend has also contributed to a dramatic increase in sea temperatures, causing destructive marine heatwaves.
The study also identified threats to the reef by identifying where human activities affect the ecosystem. The research team focused on three key threats to the reef – climate change, pollution, and human activities. Adaptive features of corals and ecosystems are discussed, and measures are proposed to protect the reef and conserve biodiversity. And the researchers are not the only ones concerned about human activities on the Great Barrier Reef. For example, scientists have warned that the effects of ocean acidification are already affecting the health and biodiversity of the reef.
Mangroves
Despite the symbiotic relationship between corals and mangroves, little is known about how the two ecosystems interact. But recent research from the University of Technology Sydney has revealed some fascinating new details. It seems that mangroves and corals are inseparable. Physio-chemical buffering in the adjacent seagrass habitats could be an important contributor to the reduced acidification. Mangroves also provide crucial habitats for other species, including sponges and algae.
These trees have long been admired for their beautiful red-orange leaves and intricate branches. However, in recent years, their loss has caused widespread panic amongst tourists and scientists. Scientists have also noted a dramatic decrease in the number of mangroves. Mangroves are native to Australia and were once found growing in many parts of the world. But the dwindling numbers of mangroves in the region have led to an ecological crisis. The decline in mangroves has spawned a rash of lawsuits in recent years.
While mangroves are crucial to the health of the Reef’s marine life, human activities are impacting them. While these activities may have no direct effect on mangrove species, they can alter water courses, sediment levels, and air quality. Pollution may also introduce harmful pests and diseases. As a result, environmental management authorities must clearly describe the coastal and estuarine zones based on best scientific advice. The ensuing regulations may prevent these harmful impacts and help to restore the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Estuarine crocodiles
This savage predator lives in the water near the Great Barrier Reef. The Estuarine Crocodile has an intimidating snout, long body, and eyes set on top of its head. It has thick skin with bone plates embedded in it, a broad tail, and short clawed webbed feet. The male is slightly larger than the female, with the latter being smaller and weighing less than half as much.
The estuarine crocodile is a marine predator found in rivers and wetlands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It can survive up to 35% salinity of sea water, and has been recorded in water twice as salty. Despite its saline-tolerant diet, they are confined to a few places, most notably in northeastern Queensland where the ground has rapidly risen.
It is unknown how long a crocodile stays in a river or lake. Some animals can stay for several months, but the Great Barrier Reef offers plenty of opportunities for people to view these magnificent creatures. In recent years, however, estuarine crocodiles have been spotted in the Whitsundays. Crocodiles are a common sighting in the Whitsundays, though they don’t tend to stay long.
These awe-inspiring creatures have been photographed as far out to sea as the Great Barrier Reef, and it has been believed that some of them live in the remote Kennedy River in North Queensland. They have been tracked using underwater receivers to find out where they are in the ocean. This is exciting news for people, and scientists hope to make more discoveries about these amazing animals in the future.
Tourism
The tourism industry is particularly important for the Great Barrier Reef. As a relatively clean industry, it depends on the reef’s preservation. Yet, tourism is not the only industry that benefits the Great Barrier Reef. Land-based industries along the coast have also had a negative impact. Overfishing, oil spills, and gas mining have all threatened the Great Barrier Reef. So how is tourism important for the reef? Read on to learn more.
The Capricorn and Bunker Group are a cluster of coral cays. In the late 1800s, guano miners depleted the island, leaving it to goats. Today, it is home to a popular eco-resort. Its proximity to Cairns and the Whitsundays have also led to the redevelopment of Heron Island as a holiday resort.
In response to the scientists’ claims, the tourism industry has responded with initiatives like the “Reef Health Updates” campaign, which consists of interviews with tourists. The tourism industry has also responded by launching an advertising campaign featuring the pristine portions of the reef. However, the tourism industry must keep in mind that perceptions are everything when it comes to tourism. In this case, tourism has a direct impact on the GBR.
While tourism has a positive impact on the Reef, the environmental consequences are not a small matter. Though tourism affects the reef’s ecosystems, most operators with permits go beyond the rules and etiquette. In the long run, however, tourism does the greatest damage by leaving a carbon footprint on the Reef. The global warming problem will be the biggest issue for the Great Barrier Reef. With the rising temperatures of the world, the Great Barrier Reef may soon be shut down to the world.
