Great Barrier Reef Case Study

Problem Statement

The water quality of the ocean is diminishing due to chemical run-off from farms. The run- off begins into small catchments which eventually reach our reefs with devastating outcomes. The pesticides and herbicides used on farmlands are high in phosphorus which is a harmful chemical to our reef flora and fauna. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF, 2015) states that 60 kilometres inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area harmful concentrations of pesticides are being detected. And a staggering one-third of the reef is exposed to herbicides (WWF, 2015). These chemicals are often dispersed in excess of what is needed. In areas such as Far North Queensland, summer represents an increase in pests, and weeds. This is also

the wet season which often leads to flooding. During these downpours and floods chemicals are washed into the nearby creeks. Once the contaminated water reaches the sea, sediment settles on top of corals, which prevents new hard corals from growing (Jennie Mallela, 2013). The sediment then blocks any sunlight from reaching the coral resulting in coral death and in severe cases extinction of some species (Jennie Mallela, 2013). As a result of this impact on marine flora, the surrounding fauna will also be effected, as many rely on corals and other marine plants as a source of protection and food. This then has a flow on effect causing animals to relocate to other areas. If this cycle continues over decades to come, the reef as we know it will cease to exist. Thus causing environmental and economic issues for years to come.

Rationale
The Author chose this topic because the Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Unfortunately, this natural beauty is being threatened and certain coral species are facing extinction. Hugh Yorkston (Meteorology, 2014), is the Director of ecosystems and water quality group for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. He states that the Great Barrier Reef stretches along 2300 kilometres of the Queensland coast (Meteorology, 2014). And of that 2300 Kilometres, there are 35 major rivers that discharge water into the great Barrier Reef (Meteorology, 2014). The Author resides in Far North Queensland, which is a large farming district; in large farming communities it has become evident through resources such as the eReef project, that the water quality in these areas are less than satisfactory. Dr Jennie Mallela (Observer, 2013), from Australian National University- ANU, has undertaken research to support the decline in water quality in this region. Her research identifies the increase in the amount of phosphorus that is found in coral. Dr Mallela, began studying coral skeletons off Dunk Island in Far North Queensland, for information that may provide insight into the chemical impacts on coral over many years (Observer,

2013).
As a child the author grew up in one of the largest farming based communities in Far North Queensland, which is nearby where Dr Mallela carried out her research. This region is supported by several small coastal catchments that provide a continuous and direct flow of fresh water to the reef ("Managing the Reef,"). Amongst this water flowing out to the reefs, are the chemicals that have been flushed from the farms. Small farms in this area are also prone to flooding which can increase the amount of chemicals reaching the reef, altering the water quality, salinity and all round health of the reef.
For these reasons the author has developed a passion for the reef, and is very interested in providing awareness to everyone about making change to provide a sustainable reef system for future generations.

Research Questions
1. What impact are chemicals currently having on Corals and fish species on the Great Barrier Reef?
2. What can be done to reduce water runoff from land?
3. What positive actions can farmers take to minimise the amount of chemicals reaching the ocean?
4. What can the general population and local governments do to ensure the sustainability of the reef and protection from chemicals?

Methodology
Researching the impacts of chemical run-off through Google, resulted in various sources providing information, some of which were found to be rather biased and very emotive. The information on this topic did have some out-dated materials and statistics, in some cases this information was older than five years.
Information was located through using search terms such as “Chemical runoff into Great Barrier Reef”, “Sustainable farming practices” and “environmentally friend farming”. Google Scholar was a useful search engine, providing information that had been thoroughly searched, unbiased and very informative.
The search term ‘Impacts on the Great Barrier Reef” was effective in locating resources, from government project plans and initiatives.
Themeefy was a very useful curation tool, that provided a place to research and store sources to use as needed. This can be viewed via figure 1. Themeefy was an effective tool to use through the investigation process.
There was limited information to support the suggestion of the impacts chemical runoff has on reef fish species, it was identified through that there impacts are not yet known, and research is still being carried out to identify the long term health and wellbeing of these animals (Amelia S. Wenger).