Essay On The Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef – 5 Questions

What is the significance of the Great Barrier Reef?

The significance of the Great Barrier Reef is mainly because it is the most extensive structure built by living organisms. It is so big and detailed, that it can be seen from the moon. Now part of the World Heritage List, The Great Barrier Reef starts just below Papua New Guinea and is a long stretch of 2000km long running down the North East coast of Australia. (Refer 0.1) It has 2500 different reefs and is home to 1500 species of fish, 350 different types of coral. It is a major breeding area for humpback whales, sea turtles and sea birds. The Great Barrier Reef provides many jobs and has created many industries in Queensland. It is the most significant drawcard for tourism in Queensland. Although the Great Barrier Reef has many species of living creatures. It hold lots of cultural and historical history. In 1975 the Great Barrier Reef was established. It was listed on the world heritage list in October 1981. Now a Marine Park that is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Reef extends back to thousands of years ago and even has its involvements with the first European explores in the 17th and 18th century.

What are the major threats to the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef holds some of the most unique colour patterns in the world. But potential threats in the Modern era are having an impact on the Reef and the beauty it holds. The greatest threats are all due to today’s climate change problems. It has been proven that climate change is biggest threat to the reef’s future. Climate Change is having such and impact on the reef because of the rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. Look...

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...nd at what progress have they made.

The Great Barrier Reef Management Authority identified in an outlook plan for the reef that climate change is the long term threat that will destroy the reef. The Australian Government and Queensland officials have formally agreed to undertake an assessment on the Great Barrier Reef and the routes taken in order to maintain the reef’s beauty. A public group has been set up, allowing for people to have their say in how to protect the reef. There is a Long-Term Sustainability Plan for the Great Barrier Reef being undertaken by Australian and Queensland officials. This plan involves both costal officials and those of the general public that want to get involved. Officials have taken in all the comments from the general public and are expected to come up with a shot and long term plan into order to sustain the Great Barrier Reef.