Save the Great Barrier Reef
Fri 21 October 2011
Wesley Marecle, Bachelor of Journalism
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, but if action is not taken soon, it could completely disappear.
Larger than any other coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 kilometers.
It is made up of thousands of plants and animals that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said could possibly become extinct if something was not done to conserve and protect it.
The reef also provided billions of Australian dollars every year to the Australian economy, and employs over 63,000 people.
If it were to disappear, thousands would be left without a job, and tourism would decline.
The University of Technology Sydney professor Dr Ross Hill is an expert on all things dealing with beach, reef and marine issues. 
“The structural framework of coral reefs is made up of plants and animals, which create a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton (like human bones which are made of calcium phosphate),” Dr Hill said.
“These incredible structures support a complex ecosystem of enormous economic, social and environmental importance.
“Human activities are threatening the future of coral reefs from a number of angles.”
Dr Hill said man played a significant part in the potential demise of the GBR.
“From a global perspective, we are warming the planet with the release of carbon dioxide [CO2] through the greenhouse effect,” Dr Hill said.
“Warmer seas are increasing the frequency and intensity of warm-water induced coral bleaching events.
Not only was global warming an issue, but Dr Hill said acidification was also a problem.
“As CO2 dissolves into oceans it causes the water to become more acidic,” Dr Hill explained.
Essentially, two global factors are causing the GBR to disappear-global warming causes the ocean to become warmer and coral bleaching occurs, and ocean acidification that results in certain sea life to dissolve.
“Effective management of the GBR is vital to ensure its persistence into the future," Dr Hill said.
“We need to ensure that we reduce pollution and sediment flow onto the GBR from coastal Queensland to improve water quality.
“This action will improve the resilience of the reef to future changes from rising temperature and ocean acidification.
“If we can remove these local stressors, we can boost the health of the reef to improve its ability to cope with global challenges.”
Dr Hill said plans to reduce carbon emissions had to happen very soon to avoid more damage.
“Corals are showing the ability to slowly recover following bleaching, but if events become too frequent, the capacity for recovery will be more difficult,” Dr Hill said.
“This means we must act today to secure a reef, which has the capacity to heal itself after a disturbance event.
“Australia and the world must take immediate and drastic action to cut carbon emissions to save the reef from bleaching and dissolution from ocean acidification.”
Cairns Dive Centre operations manager Peter Stokes uses the Great Barrier Reef to make a living, andc works on dive boats that travel to the GBR every day.
“People come here to see the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Stokes said.
“It would be catastrophic on our business if it were to disappear.”
Mr Stokes' dive business operated only on the GBR, and around 10,000 people from all over the world dived with them each year.
This was only one dive shop; many others operated out of Australia that relied on the GBR for income.
When asked if Mr Stokes could notice if the GBR was disappearing while diving, he added that “Not at all, it is regenerating quite well. Better than 10 years ago”.
This was not so surprising, as many companies that worked on the GBR came together to help protect and save the reef.
Mr Stokes' particular company participates in the Crown of Thorns Starfish Control.
This program helped control and manage the starfish Crown of Thorns, which preys upon the already precious coral that is already in danger.
There are many other smaller organizations like this formed to help conserve the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is responsible for the protection and sustainability of the GBR.
On its website, it highlights recommended safe practices for any activities on the GBR.
Dr. Hill also had his own ideas on how to protect the GBR.
“Lobby politicians! If you love the Great Barrier Reef and want to keep it great, we must take action today and tell politicians that it is not ok to pollute our planet, and risk losing the beauty and biodiversity of reefs,” Dr Hill said.
“We still have a small window within which to act to avoid severe climate change and we must embrace it.”
Image(s) designed by sxc.hu