ipl-logo

Case Study: The Great Barrier Reef

1296 Words6 Pages

GREAT BARRIER REEF
SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION A coral reef is communicated living organisms that is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They are covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, however they are home about 25% of marine life. Due to this characteristic, they are known as a rainforests of the ocean. The main structure of a reef is tiny animals called polyps that have hard outer skeleton made of calcium. They grow in warm, shallow and moving water and they grow just 0.3 cm to 10 cm per year. The reefs that we see today have been growing over the past 5000 to 10000 years. (Coral Reefs. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/oceans/coral_reefs.cfm) Additionally, there are …show more content…

According to J. Bowen and M. Bowen (2002), in the mid 1920s, the Great Barrier Reef has gained a popular image as a fascinating and exotic area. A number of people began organizing small trips to easily accessible locations of the reef. (p.283)
The marine tourism industry, The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and other government agencies all have a role in organizing activities and protecting the area. GBRMPA adopted a policy that involves permission for 15-year tourism activities such as boating, diving, motorized water sports, visiting island and cays. Up to 2 million visits are made each year to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by visitors using a tourism operation. (GBMP Authority (2011) “Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef” from gbrmpa.gov.au)
The other common activity in the region is fishing. Reef fishing must be one of the most enjoyable types of fishing due to its biodiversity. Fishers mostly prefer to hunt orange roughy, coral trout, red emperor, Spanish mackerel, and pilchard commercially. In addition, dugong, which is one of the sea mammals and also known as sea cows, have been hunted by Aborigines for many years.
SESSION 4: …show more content…

These threats sometimes occurs naturally, however the most significant reason of this damage is human. People cause lots of issues while they are using or even sailing around this entrancing region. One of these issues is over fishing that may disrupt the food chain in the reef. Fishing unconsciously, has an impact on marine life due to using forbidden fishing method, trawling, and to left its trashes such as anchors and nets. In addition to trawling, hunting endangered species is another cause of this threat. Dugongs, or sea cows, have been hunted by Australian Aborigines even if they are one of the endangered species in the reef and it is forbidden to hunt dugongs.
Another issue is shipping accidents and oil spills. Mostly merchant vessels, commercial ships, use the Great Barrier Reef shipping route. According to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (2002), from 1985 to 2001, 11 collisions and 20 groundings occurred along the reef shipping route. These shipwrecks caused 282 oil spills between 1987-2002. In addition, Zubrzycki’s report (2013), Australia approves on of the world’s largest coal which will cause severe damage to the reef. Environmentalists state that the reef will be placed on in-danger list of Unesco’s World Heritage Centre. (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (2006). “Principal water quality influences on Great Barrier Reef

Show More
Related

Character Analysis Of Chad Kennedy In The First Stone

616 Words | 3 Pages

Conflicts are challenges faced by people, which in turn helps them to succeed in their lives. In the novel The First Stone by Don Aker, Chad Kennedy faces different types of conflict that lead to positive personal growth. Chad was unable to cope with the death of his grandmother. His depression and anxiety led him to be unkind towards others.

Read More

Artificial Reefs: A Rhetorical Analysis

1851 Words | 8 Pages

Oceans are peaceful, majestic, and filled with amazing and vibrant color. A lot of the prostown beauty in oceans can be credited to coral reefs. Lately though, natural coral reefs have been dying for various reasons, and some people believe that artificial reefs can help not only the natural reefs, but other surrounding ecosystems in their environment. Various articles use rhetorical techniques in hopes of enhancing their articles about whether or not artificial reefs are helping or harming the oceans. The first article, “Concern Lingers on Success of Artificial Reefs”, was written by Charles Q. Choi, and for Live Science, looks at both the pro and con side of artificial reefs.

Read More

The Sixth Extinction By Elizabeth Kolbert: Chapter Analysis

1698 Words | 7 Pages

That being said, one would see the importance in preserving the integrity of this structure. Elizabeth Kolbert’s choice to explore the destruction of this massive landmark will surely evoke passion for her subject matter and as a reader had no difficulty depicting her passion. I favor the assumption that other readers will react in a similar manner with the thought that the Great Barrier Reef is in peril. Much of society is only concerned with what affects them personally In chapter seven, she piggybacked with atmospheric scientist Ken Caldeira on One Tree Island to find out learn about ocean acidification and her findings show neither good news nor promise concerning the future of the ocean’s coral reefs. The tone of the chapter is that of death: the balance of coral reef revolves around life and death in its current state.

Read More

Examples Of Invasive Species Affecting The Everglades Ecosystem

1196 Words | 5 Pages

When too many trees are cut down the temperature of the environment increase and it also increases the acidity I the ocean. Both increased temperature and increased acidity in the ocean contribute to the damage to the coral

Read More

Puritjarra Cave Essay

638 Words | 3 Pages

With the excavation almost dead center of Australia Puritjarra Cave Rock Shelter thus finding out that the site had already been occupied 22 000 years ago. The Shelter had a floor space of 400 m². Shortly after it was shown to go back to around 32,000BP. Puritjarra Cave Rock Shelter was still used up to the 1930s when people went onto missionary stations in the western MacDonnell Ranges. I checked multiple sources to confirm that Michael Smith in 1987 had the first proof that 22 000 years ago it was occupied last.

Read More

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Essay

1918 Words | 8 Pages

1. It is a scientific fact that biodiversity is greatest near coral reefs and estuaries. But because of human influence coral reefs around the world are dying. Human coastal development, pollution, ocean warming, and ocean acidification are all things that threaten them. The World Research Institute estimated that about ¾ of the worlds shallow reefs are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Read More

Florida Keys Ecosystems

1315 Words | 6 Pages

Even as the ocean is warming, much of the coral cover will still remain. We will see a rise in sea-level but to a limited extent. Working to adapting and mitigating to these climate changes will prove successful. Efficient land-based conservation efforts and sanctuary management work will be crucial for facing these climate

Read More

Southern Right Whale Sighting Study

863 Words | 4 Pages

This paper is reviewing some journals of southern right whale sightings that related with this species description, population, threats and behaviour, focusing on how this species appeared in Queensland waters. In identifying large marine mammals like the southern right whale, several

Read More

Tanja Lagoon Case Study

766 Words | 4 Pages

3 Main Points – Tanja Lagoon follows the majority of the ecotourism principles. However, these the biggest three are - 1. Tanja Lagoon involves education among all parties - local communities, government, nongovernmental organizations, industry, and tourists (before, during, and after the trip). 2. Tanja Lagoon plays an active role in conserving the natural resources, which provide the visitors their experience.

Read More

Manly Beach Case Study

260 Words | 2 Pages

Named after the indigenous people for their “confidence and manly behaviour” by Capt. Arthur Phillip, Manly Beach is among the northern beaches of Sydney with three main sections (north to south: Queenscliff, North Steyne and South Steyne). In Manly there is no where that is more that a kilometre from the ocean or harbour, making coastal management a major priority to both the public and government/s concerned.

Read More

What Are The Human Activities That Affect Coral Reefs In The Caribbean

952 Words | 4 Pages

In Caribbean, 36 percent coral reefs are located within 2 km of the inhabited land thus this area of coral reefs ecology have highly susceptible to pressures arising from coastal populations. The extensive construction and development for roads, housing, ports and other development has been required to support both of the residential and tourist populations. The coastal development was poorly managed therefore put stress on coral reefs through direct damage from dredging, land reclamation and sand and limestone mining for construction as well as through less direct pressures such as runoff from construction sites and removal of coastal habitat. Besides that, the loss of mangrove and sea grass which filter sediment and nutrients coming from the land has been widespread in the Caribbean which lead to add the pressure towards coral reef ecology. Next, the increased sediment in the coastal waters reduces the amount of light reaching the coral and hinders the ability of their symbiotic algae which is zooxanthellae for photosynthesis.

Read More

Bycatch: Marine Life

281 Words | 2 Pages

1. Bycatch is the marine life that is caught by commercial fishers due to their harmful fishing techniques that were not meant to be caught and are then thrown away. Their techniques include, but are not limited to trawling, long lines, and purse seine nets. 2. The article goes in depth on how one form of sea life, sea turtles, is greatly affected by commercial fishing.

Read More

Informative Essay On Sharks

862 Words | 4 Pages

While everybody knows that sharks are natural-born killers, few understand how deep the killer-instinct runs: in numerous types, shark embryos in their mothers' wombs consistently cannibalize their siblings. Sharks, then, go on murderous sprees even before they are born. Yet, these terrifying creatures aren't exactly what you would anticipate. They do not prowl beaches searching for tasty people to engulf.

Read More

Ocean Climate Change Essay

1141 Words | 5 Pages

Fishermen throwing their garbage into the ocean, which affects the health of the coral and the fish that live in it. Climate change is destroying the living environments of various animals, like the walruses. The WWF1 started their campaign Seastars to fight against the threats of the ocean. Overfishing comes down to one thing: Catching too much fish which leads to a degradation

Read More

Essay On Coral Reefs

1577 Words | 7 Pages

In this research paper we will explore more about coral reefs and their importance. Coral reefs are communities of living organisms. They are made up of fishes, plants, and many other creatures. They have been around for millions of years: less than the 0.1% of the world’s ocean floor Is covered by coral reefs, however they grow very slowly, from 0.3 cm to 10 cm per year.

Read More

More about Case Study: The Great Barrier Reef

Related Topics

Open Document