2.3 Case Study - Great Barrier Reef

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

• Located along the Pacific shores, where water temperatures are above 20°C.
• The reef grows in shallow areas (not more than 60 m deep) in the Coral sea, off the Australian coast, east of Cairns.
• Grows in clear water that is free of sediment so sunlight can pass through.

Question 2

Threats to the Great Barrier Reef (name 3)

Answer 2

• The Great Barrier reef is threatened by global warming, which increases coral bleaching.
• Declining water quality: (due to agricultural run-off from the rivers of North-Eastern Australia and oil from ships in discarded in the Coral Sea) pollutes the ecosystem.
• Overfishing destroys food chains and disbalances the symbiotic relationships.
• Tourists may destroy parts of the reef when they go diving or reef-walking.

Question 3

Management strategies of the Great Barrier Reef (name 3)

Answer 3

• The Australian government has made the Great Barrier reef a protected area by declaring it a marine park.
• The GBRMPA (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) is the ogranisation who looks after the reef and protects it from human threats while allowing sustainable development to take place.
• The Marine Park Authority gives out permits for fishing, diving and more and has boats patrol the area to prevent illegal activity.
• Tourists are educated about how their trip affects the reef and they are not allowed in certain sensitive areas.
• Fines of up to US$ 1 million can be forced on companies that pollute the fragile ecosystem.