Threats

The Great Barrier Reef is under a lot of pressure from many different things threatening the reef. The biggest threat to the GBR is climate change, pollution, and the Crown of Thorn Starfish. Climate change is the main threat because if the sea temperature rises even 1 or 2 degrees, it will cause coral beaching and death in the ocean on a world wide scale. Coral bleaching is when sea coral turns a ghostly shade of white, and quickly starts to die. The coral can recover, but if the sea temperature stays too warm for too long, almost all of the coral will die.



 Pollution and the Crown of Thorn Starfish are also making a large impact on the reef. Nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, toxic chemicals, sewage, detergents, heavy metals, and oils all run into rivers and then out into the GBR, where they threaten life by polluting the reef. The Crown of Thorn Starfish used to eat coral polyps, but still maintain a population control. Now the starfish is rapidly reproducing, meaning that they are eating more and more coral. This is driving some types of coral onto the endangered species list.  media type="custom" key="9459654" width="470" height="470" align="right" Australia, The GBR Marine Park, and the whole world are doing things to help preserve the GBR for generations to come. Some of these things include fishing being carefully monitored, and only allowed in some places. The whole world is taking action in creating ways to prevent global warming, which is the reason of climate change, which in turn causes coral bleaching. T he reef is home to a quarter of all marine fish species. In addition to the variety of marine life they support, coral reefs are also immensely beneficial to humans. The GBR is a large source of food, medicine, and recreation. Along with buffeting coastal regions from strong waves and storms, and providing millions of people with food and jobs and prompting advances in modern medicine. The Great Barrier Reef is something that we need to keep in good shape for the future. I have been doing everything I can to help the reef survive. If we continue to use as much carbon dioxide as we are now, the sea temperature will continue to rise and get to hot. The coral will die, and the sea life will move away to areas with more coral. This effects all of the oceans around the world, not just the Great Barrier Reef. To help prevent this, we need to take action. Now.   ** Back **