GBR Case study

Question 1

Where is the GBR?

Answer 1

Off NE australia- Queensland

Question 2

How is the GBR Valuable to humans?

Answer 2

Provides 64,000 jobs

2.6 million tourists every year

Question 3

How is the GBR Valuable to planet?

Answer 3

10% of world’s fish species found in GBR

Reef acts as natural barrier to coastal storms.

Question 4

How is over-tourism a threat to Biodiversity in GBR?

Answer 4

> 2m international visitors; 500 commercial vessels

Water pollution from boats - 280 spills in the last 30 years

Chemicals from sunscreens absorbed by corals and kill them- Oxybenzone

Question 5

How is climate change a threat to biodiversity in GBR?

Answer 5

2-3C warming will put 97% of GBR in danger of bleaching

Coral bleaching; stressed polyps expel algae

Question 6

How will restrictions on tourism impact the GBR?

Answer 6

-Limits on group and vessel size
- Permits must be obtained for tourist activities

Good:
Less anchors dropped on and damaging reefs
Limit on numbers protects wildlife and reduces stresses

Bad:
Companies in tourism industry make less money by buying permits
It is expensive