BBR is the world's largest coral reef located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. One of the most impressive ecosystems on Earth is in dire condition. These are the main questions that threaten this magnificent natural wonder.
Great aerial view of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
As you probably already know, the Great Barrier Reef is in big trouble. About 50 percent of the reef's coral cover has already been lost, and the remaining 50 percent is projected to disappear by 2050 unless serious action is taken.
The clock is ticking and the unprecedented coral bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 have only demonstrated how fragile and urgent the situation is today.
The Australian National and Queensland State governments spend about $ 200 million annually to protect the reef. Although many say that this is not enough.
Why the reef is so important
The Great Barrier Reef is not called “big” for nothing. The size of the reef is really huge: it can be seen from space, it stretches over 2,575 kilometers (this is the distance from Moscow to Paris), and covers 344,000 square kilometers.
But this massive area is not just a coral ocean. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of 3,000 separate reef systems, 600 tropical islands and about 300 coral reefs. This intricate labyrinth of habitats provides refuge for an astounding variety of marine plants and animals - from ancient sea turtles, reef fish and 134 species of sharks and rays, to 400 different hard and soft corals and a variety of algae.
The reef acts as a farm for the fishing industry that feeds hundreds of thousands of people. In addition, tourists flock to the reef to experience its incredible beauty and spend about $ 6 billion a year on it.
What are the threats to the reef?
Measures are being taken to protect the reef in a number of ways. Coping with coral withering away is costly and difficult as there are several major threats to reef health and all must be addressed.
What is coral bleaching?
In recent years, large-scale coral bleaching has occurred on the Great Barrier Reef due to high ocean temperatures.
Coral bleaching is the response of corals to environmental stress. Discoloration is a visible signal that something is going very wrong.
Bleaching does not directly kill corals, but it weakens them greatly, often leading to death later on as they become more vulnerable to disease. Corals, as you remember from biology, are animals that live in symbiosis with some photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae.
However, these relationships can be destroyed due to environmental stress, namely high sea water temperatures, the risk of which is increasing due to anthropogenic climate change. This thermal stress can cause the coral to shed its zooxanthellae, as they produce corrosive substances in the heat. Corals without zooxanthellae become colorless (hence the term "discoloration").
Changing of the climate
1. Ocean acidification:
Since the 1700s, about 30% of the additional carbon dioxide that humans pumped into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the oceans. This changed the chemistry of the oceans by making them more acidic (a process known as ocean acidification), making it difficult for corals (and many other marine animals) to form their calcium-based skeletons.
2. Cyclones:
climate change is also driving the development of more powerful tropical cyclones that can cause significant damage to shallow coral reefs. In addition, during cyclones or other violent storm events, more fresh water and sediment enters the ocean, essentially choking the corals.
3. Rise of sea level and temperature:
the rapid change in coastline caused by climate warming means that plants and animals have no time to adapt to changes in sea level and temperature.
Overfishing
Protected areas around the Great Barrier Reef tend to be richer in biodiversity.
When more fish are caught than the ecosystem can handle over time, it is overfishing. On the Great Barrier Reef, this is due to the sport and commercial fishing of some large, predatory fish such as coral trout and snapper. A less diverse reef is a less resilient reef and this affects coral health. Predatory fish are critical to maintaining a balanced ecosystem on the reef, but predators such as coral trout, red snapper, and emperor fish remain prime targets for both recreational and commercial fishing. In areas where commercial and sport fishing is permitted, the number of predatory fish was lower, as was the biodiversity. Protected, closed areas can have at least two or more times the amount of fish and therefore become attractive to poachers. Illegal fishing in restricted areas is on the rise.
Shipping
In April 2010, a China-registered dry-cargo coal transport Shen Neng 1 ran aground in shallow water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Large ships filled with minerals mined in Australia (often sent to China) also threaten the reef with physical damage if disaster strikes, as the 2010 disaster proved. A Chinese ship called Shen Neng 1 landed on a reef and dumped tons of toxic fuel oil onto fragile corals.
Coastal pollution
Probably most of the reef protection work has been done to reduce the runoff of toxic chemicals from agricultural areas off the coast of Queensland into the ocean.
Crown of thorns (starfish)
The starfish (crown of thorns) has become a serious threat to the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
Over the past three decades, 40 percent of coral losses have been due to the proliferation of starfish, a native coral species that is part of a balanced reef ecosystem. Unfortunately, the population of starfish has skyrocketed in recent decades. This may be due to excess nitrogen from agricultural runoff, which can increase the amount of plankton, the main food for sea stars. Nitrogen runoff from farms in North Queensland leads to algal blooms in reef waters. This algae is the main food source for sea star larvae, producing population explosions that destroy corals.
To combat these starfish, a program has been implemented that will reward people for catching and killing excess starfish.
The future of the Great Barrier Reef
A coral reef surrounding a green island near Cairns, North Queensland, Australia.
The future of the Great Barrier Reef remains unknown. Many organizations are working hard to minimize the wide range of hazards that threaten the reef, and the good news is that at least some of these efforts seem to be working, but action must be taken quickly to prevent this natural wonder from disappearing. ...
The second point of my trip to Australia was the Great Barrier Reef. About four hours by summer from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and we are in the capital of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.
Cairns is located on the shores of the Coral Sea in the tropical north-east of Australia. The climate in this part of Australia is warm and humid, and therefore the city of Cairns is surrounded by greenery. The rainforest surrounds the city on all sides, and the inhabitants of Cairns from time to time have to fight the "green invaders" clearing the streets of vines and thickets.
In Cairns we had dinner planned at one of the restaurants which was 20 minutes from the hotel. The road to the restaurant was like a tour of the zoo. From time to time our path was blocked by geckos and lizards, various beetles and insects, spiders and Australian ibises, which, by the way, are like pigeons in Australia. The evening air was filled with the aromas of flowering bushes and trees, as well as various sounds made by birds, bats, flying foxes and the noise of insects.
Early in the morning a guide came to pick us up and we went to Port Douglas where a catamaran was waiting for us. On a catamaran we got into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, 60 kilometers from the coast, and throughout the day we enjoyed the beauty of the coral "forests" and their inhabitants.
The Great Barrier Reef is a ridge of coral reefs and islands in the Coral Sea, stretching 2300 km along the northeastern coast of Australia. In the northern part, the width is about 2 km, in the southern part - 150 km. Most of the reefs are underwater (exposed at low tide). Marine National Park (area over 5 million hectares, founded in 1979, included in the World Heritage List); protection of flora and fauna of coasts and shallow waters.
It is not by chance that the islands of the Great Barrier Reef are called the eighth wonder of the world. The world is known for a huge number of beautiful islands with magnificent beaches, landscapes and crystal clear waters. But the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world and the largest structure "created" by living organisms on the planet. Of the 350 known coral species in the world, 340 are found on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The Necklace of Islands stretches for 2000 km from Papua New Guinea to the Southern Tropic in the south.
The Great Barrier Reef includes about 2,900 reefs, with sizes ranging from 0.01 km2. up to 100 km2, and more than 300 islands or shoals of coral fragments, of which about 100 are permanently covered with vegetation; and 600 more high islands, many of which are surrounded by their own reefs. Its total area is 348698 square kilometers, more than the area of \u200b\u200bGreat Britain.
The reef, which itself is one of the largest geological formations, is in fact composed of living creatures or coral polyps, outwardly similar to anemones found near the coast. These tiny primitive organisms live in huge colonies, each of which has developed from an individual polyp that has undergone countless divisions. Coral consists of a soft body encased in a limestone outer skeleton that forms the reef. A living reef is a product of a thousand-year cycle of life and death: the bulk of the coral reef is made up of the mass of empty skeletons of previous generations of polyps, covered with a thin layer of living organisms.
Coral reefs can exist in water, the temperature of which is stable throughout the year in the range of 22-28C, which creates a habitat for the most diverse animal community known on Earth. The Great Barrier Reef is formed by over 400 species of hard and soft corals. Rough reef corals come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and include mushroom corals, brain corals, and antlers in all shades from red and yellow to black. In addition, over 4,000 species of molluscs have been recorded here, from chitons and gastropods to giant bivalves and octopuses, as well as countless sponges, anemones, worms, crustaceans and echinoderms.
Coral reefs around the world are famous for the variety of fish that visit them. It is known that within and around the Great Barrier Reef, more than 1,500 species of fish live - a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, when they dart in schools in one direction or another. The reef is also important for several species of whales, including minke whales, killer whales and humpback whales. These waters are the breeding grounds for the humpback whale; females with cubs are often seen here. The waters are also home to six of the world's seven sea turtle species; they are all dying out and need wild islands of the reef for safe breeding. The enigmatic dugong also found a safe haven in the kelp beds found in the shallow waters of many of the reef's islands.
The islands are also important for many species of aquatic and seabirds. More than 240 species nest on low sandy and coral islands; among them are petrels, phaetons, frigates, six species of terns, including pink tern, fulmars, 6-bellied eagle and osprey.
The article uses material from the Internet resource: http://www.naturelifepark.com
The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 fish species, but this is just one of its many attractions for this amazing natural wonder. Known for its unsurpassed natural diversity, This Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is the only living creature on Earth that can be seen from space.
Recently ranked by News and World Report, this reef was named the best place in the world to visit. The ranking was based on a methodology that combined traveler opinions with expert analysis. These breathtaking photos will show you why the Great Barrier Reef won first place.
The Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, and extends over 2,240 kilometers.
The reef runs along the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, from the tip of the Cape York Peninsula all the way to Bundaberg.
The Great Barrier Reef offers tourists an endless list of unique activities.
Of course, scuba diving is the most popular activity for tourists. Although the reef has suffered from the effects of climate change, it has an unrivaled ecological diversity and much of it is hidden under the surface of the water.
For those who cannot swim, these magnificent wonders can be seen while sailing in glass bottom boats.
The Capricorn Coast and Queensland offer a variety of snorkeling tours.
Scenic helicopter tours offer a bird's eye view of the reef - the best way to fully appreciate just how much the Great Australian Barrier Reef really is.
Hot air balloon rides offer the same aerial views, but at a slower pace.
Island day trips in the Great Barrier Reef have brought together the best of both worlds: visitors can snorkel among the underwater fauna, and see the beauty of tropical forests and sandy beaches.
For sailing enthusiasts, the conditions are ideal here. Catamarans and other small boats can be rented. Large boats with their own crews can be rented for overnight cruises or multi-day cruises.
Rafting on the Tully River in North Queensland requires no experience and offers the opportunity to see World Heritage listed as rainforest.
No travel to Australia is complete without seeing some of the larger creatures. At the Hartley Crocodile Farm, guests can see crocodiles at close range, meet koalas.
The Rainforest Cable Car helps visitors discover Australia's rainforest.
For travelers looking for luxury, Hervey Bay is the best destination. The Australian Barrier Reef is located just off the coast of this beach, and many of its high-end hotels are located right on the Pacific Ocean.
The local cuisine has been influenced by influences from all over the world. Some of the region's best restaurants are found by boat.
The beauty of the underwater world of the Great Reef is simply amazing.
A rich variety of ecosystems mingle with vibrant cities.
Holidays here can satisfy the needs of all age groups, people who are looking for both thrills and adventure, or who want to relax in a tropical paradise.
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The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 fish species, but this is just one of its many attractions for this amazing natural wonder. Known for its unsurpassed natural diversity, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and it is the only living creature on Earth that can be seen from space.
The Great Barrier Reef was recently voted the best place in the world to visit by News and World Report. The ranking was based on a methodology that combined traveler opinions with expert analysis. These breathtaking photos will show why the Great Barrier Reef won first place.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, and extends over 2,240 kilometers.
The Great Barrier Reef runs along the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, from the tip of the Cape York Peninsula all the way to the Bundaberg.
The Great Barrier Reef offers tourists an endless list of unique activities.
Of course, scuba diving is the most popular activity for tourists. Although the reef has suffered from the effects of climate change, it has an unrivaled ecological diversity and much of it is hidden under the surface of the water.
For those who cannot swim, these magnificent wonders can be seen while sailing in glass bottom boats.
The Capricorn Coast and Queensland offer a variety of snorkeling tours.
Scenic helicopter tours offer a bird's eye view of the reef - the best way to fully appreciate how vast the Great Barrier Reef really is.
Hot air balloon rides offer the same aerial views, but at a slower pace.
Island day trips in the Great Barrier Reef have brought together the best of both worlds: visitors can snorkel among the underwater fauna, and see the beauty of tropical forests and sandy beaches.
For sailing enthusiasts, the conditions are ideal here. Catamarans and other small boats can be rented. Large boats with their own crews can be rented for overnight cruises or multi-day cruises.
Rafting on the Tully River in North Queensland requires no experience and offers the opportunity to see World Heritage listed as rainforest.
No travel to Australia is complete without seeing some of the larger creatures. At the Hartley Crocodile Farm, guests can see crocodiles at close range, meet koalas.
The Rainforest Cable Car helps visitors discover Australia's rainforest.
An area steeped in history and heritage, North Queensland also offers one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops.
Guests can enjoy the finest Australian food and wine under the ancient rainforest trees.
Off the coast of North Queensland, the village of Kuranda is a great place to learn about the life of the region's indigenous community.
Kuranda is also world renowned for its markets. The shops are open every day of the year and offer a wide range of Aboriginal artifacts, handmade leather goods, jewelry and art.
The Great Barrier Reef is the widest coral reef in the world. This is a huge ridge that is located in the Pacific Ocean off the northern and eastern shores of Australia. It includes nearly 3 thousand individual coral reefs.
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the main ones on the world map, stretches for more than 2,500 km, it is the largest natural object in the world, which is formed by living organisms. It can be easily seen from space.
Description
The Great Barrier Reef is made up of miniature coral polyps. In the course of their life, they form a huge colony and create calcareous structures, which later become coral reefs.
Thanks to this great coral reef, a huge number of microorganisms living in it are supported. This is a real wonder of the world, which in the 80s of the last century was included in the famous UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
Today, as a result of human economic activity, which includes tourism, the Great Barrier Reef is gradually being destroyed. It has lost more than half of its coral polyps over the past 30 years, according to Australian scientists.
Discovery history
This incredible natural site has been known to mankind since antiquity. The Great Barrier Reef was used by the aborigines of Australia and the inhabitants of the islands located near the continent and is firmly established in their history and culture.
According to scientists, the Barrier Reef in Australia has existed for several million years. And today there, in warm, clean and transparent sea water, new polyps appear again and again, and young reefs are located on the tops of old formations.
Formally, the BBR was discovered by the famous English navigator James Cook in 1770, whose ship ran aground at low tide at the location of the Great Barrier Reef. The tide that came soon saved his ship and the entire crew.
This vast ecosystem is home to at least 400 species of red to copper colored corals. Most species have a hard skeleton, which later becomes the basis of coral islands, but there are also species with soft skeletons.
It is also home to several hundred species of fish adapted to this particular ecological system, incl. the whale shark, and the main enemy of the corals that make up the Great Barrier Reef, the Crown of Thorns starfish.
In these warm and clear waters, many species of whales, sea turtles, incl. endangered species. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide variety of crabs, shrimp, shellfish, octopus and squid.
