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The Great Barrier Reef

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Recommended: Effects of marine pollution on environment

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What impact are chemicals currently having on Corals and fish species on the Great Barrier Reef?
The impacts of chemicals on the Great Barrier Reef are far beyond what is first expected. The reef is subject to effects of sediment, nutrients and chemical pollutants that currently effect 25% of the worlds coral reefs (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015), including the Great Barrier Reef. These three effects result in a decline in water quality, which is due to an increase in nutrients caused by fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides and sewage. This particular cause for water quality results in the increase and spread of algae and other organisms that compete with coral (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). This increase in algae growth has …show more content…

These actions include; washing the car on the lawn to prevent detergents running into drains, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, placing rubbish in bins and recycling rubbish. People are also able to plant additional trees, ground coverings and place garden beds around the home ("Challenges and Solutions for The Great Barrier Reef,"). These simple yet effective measures if adhered to by everyone, will assist in creating a sustainable reef ("Challenges and Solutions for The Great Barrier …show more content…

Although the impact on reef fish is still uncertain. It is however, known that reef fish are losing habitats due to the impacts on corals. The wellbeing, reproduction and overall health of fish due to chemical runoff over time, is still being investigated (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). Research has identified that chemical runoff is increasing nutrient levels in the water. It is believed that this increase in nutrients is connected to the increase in crown of thorns starfish population, which poses another threat to the reef by impacting coral cover (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). Coral diversity, calcification, coral cover and coral development are all being impacted by chemicals reaching the reef (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). If the amount of chemicals reaching the reef continues to increase, the reef will continue to diminish, coral species will become extinct and reef fish will lose their habitat, forcing them to relocate or

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