the great barrier reef essay

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Hospitality

The Great Barrier Reef Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Hospitality , Government , Management , Security , Wealth , Beauty , World , Tourism

Words: 1200

Published: 01/07/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Australia is one of the As one of the seven wonders of the world. It contains nearly 40% of the coral reefs of the world, whereas the north east seaboard of the continent contains about 2,000 kilometres of reefs. Recent researchers by McNamara and Gibson (2008, p. 97) have established that these reefs account for some of the major tourism attractions in the country. In 2007, the international status of the Great Barrier Reef was confirmed when the World Travel and Tourism Council voted it in as the world’s best tourist destination. Approximately 2 million visitors every year are attracted to tour the Great Barrier Reefs thereby supporting 50, 000 jobs for the locals. As of 2007, the economic value of the Great Barrier Reef was estimated to be nearly AU$ 5 billion. In addition to the beauty of the scenery, the favorable weather condition in the area of the Great Barrier Reef also explains its popularity as a vacation destination. Coghlan and Prideaux, (2009, p. 102) have affirmed that despite the relatively high level of rainfall which occur in the area of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s still more popular than the nearby wet and dry seasons beaches.

According to the 1998 report by the World Tourism Organisation, vacationers predicted what they would want by the year 2020, and their top to wants would be to adventure and go for scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef which is their most preferred destination. This ascertains the findings by Needham (2010, p. 770), that Scuba-diving is increasing its importance in the adventure tourism market around the world and that it is one of the fastest growing recreational activities. Indeed, it continues to grow in popularity as one of the most popular activities for vacationers who visit the Great Barrier Reefs. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, SCUBA was designed by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan in 1943. Originally, similar apparatus was used for spearfishing, but Cousteau and Gagnan took the technology and used it to explore the underwater world, including reefs. SCUBA has increased in popularity around the Great Barrier Reef due to ever increasing popularity of the reefs in the past two decades, thereby leading to the emergence of dedicated dive tourism in the Great Barrier Reef area. There are 243 charter operations that are licensed to conduct scuba diving by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. In 1996 alone, this generated about AU$ 103 million in revenue (MacCarthy, O’Neill, and Williams, 2006, p. 553).

One of the main goals of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is to grant licenses to facilities and vendors operating within the park so that they can be monitored for safety since the authority want visitors to have an enjoyable experience, free of injury which is also the visitor’s desire. Before visitors can engage in any activity that has potential harm, they are warned of the risks involved so that they may be able to make informed decisions on the suitable activities to undertake. The warning includes an assessment of their ability level as well as an offer of training on how to handle different dangerous circumstances that they may face. Kent, Scott, and Kevin (2007, p. 450) observed that this is not to limit the enjoyment of visitors, but rather to increase the pleasure of their experience. The authority also limits visitor access to areas where there may be danger, particularly due to their unfamiliarity with the environment. Similarly, limitations of use restrict the number of people in the area at any given time for their own protection and to ensure adequate supervision. Most of the activities like scuba-diving, are supervised through guided, licensed companies that are inspected to ensure that they meet or exceed minimum safe practice requirements. The 50,000 people employed by the Park Authority receive ongoing training to guarantee that industry accreditation is being upheld at all times (Coghlan and Prideaux, 2009).

Another duty of the Park authority is to make sure that the reef is protected because the ever growing traffic of tourists has accidentally damaged some beauty of the reef. Studies conducted by the Australian government revealed that a mere process of educating the public and tourists will help slow down the rate of damage to the reef, which has been implemented and has worked effectively. By merely explaining to the visitors how this treasure can be maintained, the public has responded in a positive manner and most have adhered to the suggestions made.

As indicated by Needham (2010, p. 762), another positive indicator that the public is interested in protecting the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is their interest in the environmental conservation, particularly in the area. When native Australians visiting the region as well as foreign visitors were questioned about their concern of protecting this world treasure, a surprising number, upwards of 78%, expressed concern and were willing to listen to some of the practices in which they could engage during their visit to aid in the protection of the reef and the surrounding environment. This encouraging survey helps to offset the growing number of people who choose to visit this region annually.

Ecological Economics Criteria for Sustainable Tourism (1996, p. 1) stated that national and world treasure deserves protection from the hardships of people so that more generations to come can share in its beauty. It is hard to imagine why Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world, but ask someone who has been able to experience this wonder first hand, and your doubts will end. Otherwise visit it yourself, and you will really understand the wonder. (McNamara & Gibson, 2008, p. 93).

Coghlan, A., and Prideaux, B. 2009. Welcome to the Wet Tropics: the importance of weather in Reef tourism resilience. Current Issues in Tourism, 12(2), 89-104. (online), available at doi:10.1080/13683500802596367 Ecological Economics Criteria for Sustainable Tourism. 1996. Application to the great barrier reef and wet tropics world heritage areas, Australia". Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 4 (1). 1. (online). Available at http://www.multilingual-matters.net/jost/004/0003/jost0040003.pdf Kent, D. S., Scott, G. P., and Kevin, E. (2007). The geomorphology of the Great Barrier Reef : development, diversity, and change. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. pp. 450–451. MacCarthy, M., O'Neill, M., and Williams, P. 2006. Customer satisfaction and Scuba-diving:

Some insights from the deep. Service Industries Journal, 26(5), 537-555. (online)

Available at doi:10.1080/02642060600722841 McNamara, K., and Gibson, C. 2008. Environmental sustainability in practice? A Macro-scale Profile of Tourist Accommodation Facilities in Australia's Coastal Zone. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16(1), 85-100 Needham, M. D. 2010. Value orientations toward coral reefs in recreation and tourism settings: a conceptual and measurement approach. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18(6), 757- 772. (online), available at doi:10.1080/09669581003690486

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1810

This paper is created by writer with

ID 274721605

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Example of labor mobility affecting human capital in developing countries research paper, free literary analysis of gilmans the yellow wallpaper essay example, sample report on an analytical, free ech 335 instructional teaching methodologies language math science social studies essay example, good example of essay on different government, free lack of focus on consumer needs essay example, free step 2 think about environmental factors case study example, good argumentative essay about journalism, good research paper about the butler by lee daniels, free personal statement about study plan, free strategic planning course work example, finding social psychology concepts in the movie the village essay, good example of terrorism influences essay, good essay on the treatment of complex trauma and sexual abuse, research paper on harassment discrimination, free persuasion communication analysis assignment description essay sample, free overworked and underpaid outsourcing employees essay example, good essay on quot a good man is hard to find quot quot a rose for emily quot and quot araby, the spouse in the house what explains the marriage gap in canada essays example, lincolns views on race and slavery essay examples, free research paper on cross cultural analysis, social cognitive research paper example, a what are cfcs and how they relate to ozone depletion and ozone holes research paper samples, free effect of cell phones in technology and society essay example, good example of essay on wars love and hope then and now, andow essays, bess essays, anjum essays, avinash essays, album covers essays, arzu essays, beckon essays, akbari essays, balachandran essays, bednarz essays, alfons research papers, adea research papers, besley research papers, augustin research papers, albeit research papers, alois research papers, beggs research papers, airtight research papers.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Great Barrier Reef

The biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef is threatened. Scientists are working to find ways to protect it.

Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Climatology

barrier reef

Coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, support diverse marine populations in unique underwater ecosystems.

Photograph by vlad61

The Great Barrier Reef , which extends for over 2,300 kilometers (1429 miles) along the northeastern coast of Australia, is home to over 9,000 known species. There are likely many more—new discoveries are frequently being made, including a new species of branching coral discovered in 2017. This richness and uniqueness make the reef crucial for tourism and the Australian economy—it attracts at least 1.6 million visitors every year. Yet the reef’s true value, its biodiversity, extends far beyond dollars and cents.

The Great Barrier Reef consists of about 3,000 individual reefs of coral, and the biodiversity they contain is remarkable. There are animals you would probably recognize, such as dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and sharks. There are also venomous sea snakes, brightly colored worms, and large algae. These species interact to form a complex and delicate ecosystem dependent on the coral reef for survival. Yet today the coral—and therefore all the organisms that depend on it—is gravely at risk.

Coral is made up of many small animals. These tiny animals build a hard external skeleton to make the vibrant structures that we recognize. When healthy, coral has a symbiotic relationship with algae. The coral produces fluorescent chemicals that protect the algae from bright sun—almost like a sunscreen. The algae use photosynthesis to harness solar energy to make sugars. In this way, the algae provide food and oxygen (a byproduct of photosynthesis) for the coral, and the coral protects and provides nutrients for the algae. The algae also give coral its many colors.

The coral and algae have evolved together to survive within a particular temperature range. As sea temperatures rise due to climate change , the algae begin to produce products toxic to the coral , which in turn expel the algae. This process is called bleaching because the coral becomes white. A 2018 study showed that about one-third of the Great Barrier Reef had experienced substantial damage from bleaching. The researchers also found that large amounts of coral had died in the warming water almost immediately—even before there was time to expel their algal partners. This suggests even greater risks from climate change than scientists had previously thought.

Climate change is not the only threat to the reef. Chemical runoff and other forms of pollution , coastal development, and overfishing all can harm coral and reduce biodiversity. So can large storms such as cyclones. Species that live in the reef can also cause damage. One major pest species is the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) . A starfish may sound harmless, but these venomous creatures voraciously eat coral. Every so often, their numbers spike. Some scientists think these starfish caused over half of the reef damage from 1985 to 2012.

Fortunately, many people are passionate about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. National Geographic Explorer Dr. Erika S. Woolsey conducts research on coral reefs. Dr. Woolsey is the CEO of the nonprofit organization, The Hydrous. (The adjective hydrous means “containing water.”) Woolsey and her colleagues use virtual reality to create 3D versions of specimens that can be viewed in a laboratory. Scientists can see damage to the reef over time and take detailed measurements of every nook and cranny—without having to get wet! People around the world can access images of reef structures to study, thereby contributing to our knowledge of the reef.

So, is there still hope for the Great Barrier Reef? People are making a determined effort to help, and there are things that you can do right at home. Because climate change is an important cause of damage to the reef, efforts to fight it matter. In 2015, 195 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to work to reduce carbon emissions and taking other steps to address climate change. You can contact your representatives in Congress to urge the United States to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement.

You can also make changes in your own life to use less energy, produce less waste, choose environmentally friendly products, and be informed. Even your diet can make a difference: eating locally sourced foods that don’t have to be shipped to your neighborhood reduces carbon emissions. You can even be a citizen scientist and collect data for scientists if you visit the reef.

In a 2017 presentation, Dr. Woolsey explained why it is so important to protect reefs: “ Coral reefs . . . provide food and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people around the world, they protect shorelines from erosion, and they contain compounds that are used to treat human ailments. . . . Even though they cover less than one percent of the sea floor, they harbor about a quarter of all marine biodiversity.”

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

Share on social media

Unesco social media, great barrier reef.

• Description

The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

La Grande Barrière

Au nord-est de la côte australienne, le plus grand ensemble corallien du monde offre, avec ses 400 espèces de coraux, ses 1 500 espèces de poissons et ses 4 000 espèces de mollusques, un spectacle d’une variété et d’une beauté extraordinaires et d’un haut intérêt scientifique. C’est aussi l’habitat d’espèces menacées d’extinction, comme le dugong et la grande tortue verte.

حاجز الشعب المرجانية الكبير

في شمال شرق الساحل الأسترالي، تجد أكبر مجمع مرجاني في العالم يعرض، بالإضافة إلى أجناسه ال400 من المرجان، 1500 نوع من أنواع السمك و 4000 نوع من الحيوانات الرخوية ضمن مشهد كثير التنوع والجمال وشديد الأهمية من الناحية العلمية. إنه أيضاً مسكن لأجناس مهدّدة بالانقراض مثل الدودونغ والسلحفاة الخضراء الكبيرة.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

大堡礁位于澳大利亚东北海岸，这里物种多样、景色迷人，有着世界上最大的珊瑚礁群，包括400种珊瑚、1500种鱼类和4000种软体动物。大堡礁还是一处得天独厚的科学研究场所，因为这里栖息着多种濒临灭绝的动物，比如儒艮（“美人鱼”）和巨星绿龟。

La Gran Barrera

A lo largo de la costa noroccidental de Australia se halla el conjunto de arrecifes coralíferos más extenso del mundo. Con sus 400 tipos de coral, sus 1.500 especies de peces y sus 4.000 variedades moluscos, la Gran Barrera ofrece un espectáculo de variedad y belleza extraordinarias, así como un gran interés científico. Además, este sitio es el hábitat de algunas especies en peligro de extinción como el dugongo y la gran tortuga verde.

グレート・バリア・リーフ

source: NFUAJ

Groot Barrièrerif

Het Groot barrièrerif is een plek van opmerkelijke verscheiden- en schoonheid. Het rif ligt aan de noordoostkust van Australië en bevat de grootste collectie koraalriffen ter wereld. Zo zijn er 360 soorten harde koralen, 1.500 soorten vis en 5.000 soorten weekdieren te vinden. Daarnaast is het gebied de thuisbasis van meer dan 175 soorten vogels en biedt het een grote diversiteit aan sponsdieren, anemonen, zeewormen en schaaldieren. Het Groot barrièrerif is ook van groot wetenschappelijk belang als habitat van diersoorten als de dugong ('zeekoe') en de grote groene schildpad, die met uitsterven worden bedreigd.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

As the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef is a globally outstanding and significant entity. Practically the entire ecosystem was inscribed as World Heritage in 1981, covering an area of 348,000 square kilometres and extending across a contiguous latitudinal range of 14 o (10 o S to 24 o S). The Great Barrier Reef (hereafter referred to as GBR) includes extensive cross-shelf diversity, stretching from the low water mark along the mainland coast up to 250 kilometres offshore. This wide depth range includes vast shallow inshore areas, mid-shelf and outer reefs, and beyond the continental shelf to oceanic waters over 2,000 metres deep.

Within the GBR there are some 2,500 individual reefs of varying sizes and shapes, and over 900 islands, ranging from small sandy cays and larger vegetated cays, to large rugged continental islands rising, in one instance, over 1,100 metres above sea level. Collectively these landscapes and seascapes provide some of the most spectacular maritime scenery in the world.

The latitudinal and cross-shelf diversity, combined with diversity through the depths of the water column, encompasses a globally unique array of ecological communities, habitats and species. This diversity of species and habitats, and their interconnectivity, make the GBR one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth. There are over 1,500 species of fish, about 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusk, and some 240 species of birds, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and other species. No other World Heritage property contains such biodiversity. This diversity, especially the endemic species, means the GBR is of enormous scientific and intrinsic importance, and it also contains a significant number of threatened species. Attime of inscription, the IUCN evaluation stated "… if only one coral reef site in the world were to be chosen for the World Heritage List, the Great Barrier Reef is the site to be chosen".

Criterion (vii): The GBR is of superlative natural beauty above and below the water, and provides some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. It is one of a few living structures visible from space, appearing as a complex string of reefal structures along Australia's northeast coast.

From the air, the vast mosaic patterns of reefs, islands and coral cays produce an unparalleled aerial panorama of seascapes comprising diverse shapes and sizes. The Whitsunday Islands provide a magnificent vista of green vegetated islands and spectacular sandy beaches spread over azure waters. This contrasts with the vast mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel, and the rugged vegetated mountains and lush rainforest gullies that are periodically cloud-covered on Hinchinbrook Island.

On many of the cays there are spectacular and globally important breeding colonies of seabirds and marine turtles, and Raine Island is the world’s largest green turtle breeding area. On some continental islands, large aggregations of over-wintering butterflies periodically occur.

Beneath the ocean surface, there is an abundance and diversity of shapes, sizes and colours; for example, spectacular coral assemblages of hard and soft corals, and thousands of species of reef fish provide a myriad of brilliant colours, shapes and sizes. The internationally renowned Cod Hole near Lizard Island is one of many significant tourist attractions. Other superlative natural phenomena include the annual coral spawning, migrating whales, nesting turtles, and significant spawning aggregations of many fish species.

Criterion (viii): The GBR, extending 2,000 kilometres along Queensland's coast, is a globally outstanding example of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia. The area has been exposed and flooded by at least four glacial and interglacial cycles, and over the past 15,000 years reefs have grown on the continental shelf.

During glacial periods, sea levels dropped, exposing the reefs as flat-topped hills of eroded limestone. Large rivers meandered between these hills and the coastline extended further east. During interglacial periods, rising sea levels caused the formation of continental islands, coral cays and new phases of coral growth. This environmental history can be seen in cores of old massive corals.

Today the GBR forms the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, ranging from inshore fringing reefs to mid-shelf reefs, and exposed outer reefs, including examples of all stages of reef development. The processes of geological and geomorphological evolution are well represented, linking continental islands, coral cays and reefs. The varied seascapes and landscapes that occur today have been moulded by changing climates and sea levels, and the erosive power of wind and water, over long time periods. 

One-third of the GBR lies beyond the seaward edge of the shallower reefs; this area comprises continental slope and deep oceanic waters and abyssal plains.

Criterion (ix): The globally significant diversity of reef and island morphologies reflects ongoing geomorphic, oceanographic and environmental processes. The complex cross-shelf, longshore and vertical connectivity is influenced by dynamic oceanic currents and ongoing ecological processes such as upwellings, larval dispersal and migration. 

Ongoing erosion and accretion of coral reefs, sand banks and coral cays combine with similar processes along the coast and around continental islands. Extensive beds of Halimeda algae represent active calcification and accretion over thousands of years.

Biologically the unique diversity of the GBR reflects the maturity of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia; evidence exists for the evolution of hard corals and other fauna. Globally significant marine faunal groups include over 4,000 species of molluscs, over 1,500 species of fish, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and many others. The establishment of vegetation on the cays and continental islands exemplifies the important role of birds, such as the Pied Imperial Pigeon, in processes such as seed dispersal and plant colonisation. 

Human interaction with the natural environment is illustrated by strong ongoing links between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their sea-country, and includes numerous shell deposits (middens) and fish traps, plus the application of story places and marine totems.

Criterion (x): The enormous size and diversity of the GBR means it is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth, and one of the most significant for biodiversity conservation. The amazing diversity supports tens of thousands of marine and terrestrial species, many of which are of global conservation significance.

As the world's most complex expanse of coral reefs, the reefs contain some 400 species of corals in 60 genera. There are also large ecologically important inter-reefal areas. The shallower marine areas support half the world's diversity of mangroves and many seagrass species. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for one of the world's largest populations of the threatened dugong. At least 30 species of whales and dolphins occur here, and it is a significant area for humpback whale calving. 

Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle occur in the GBR. As well as the world’s largest green turtle breeding site at Raine Island, the GBR also includes many regionally important marine turtle rookeries.

Some 242 species of birds have been recorded in the GBR. Twenty-two seabird species breed on cays and some continental islands, and some of these breeding sites are globally significant; other seabird species also utilize the area. The continental islands support thousands of plant species, while the coral cays also have their own distinct flora and fauna.

The ecological integrity of the GBR is enhanced by the unparalleled size and current good state of conservation across the property. At the time of inscription it was felt that to include virtually the entire Great Barrier Reef within the property was the only way to ensure the integrity of the coral reef ecosystems in all their diversity.

A number of natural pressures occur, including cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and sudden large influxes of freshwater from extreme weather events. As well there is a range of human uses such as tourism, shipping and coastal developments including ports. There are also some disturbances facing the GBR that are legacies of past actions prior to the inscription of the property on the World Heritage list.

At the scale of the GBR ecosystem, most habitats or species groups have the capacity to recover from disturbance or withstand ongoing pressures. The property is largely intact and includes the fullest possible representation of marine ecological, physical and chemical processes from the coast to the deep abyssal waters enabling the key interdependent elements to exist in their natural relationships.

Some of the key ecological, physical and chemical processes that are essential for the long-term conservation of the marine and island ecosystems and their associated biodiversity occur outside the boundaries of the property and thus effective conservation programs are essential across the adjoining catchments, marine and coastal zones.

Protection and management requirements

The GBR covers approximately 348,000 square kilometres.  Most of the property lies within the GBR Marine Park: at 344,400 square kilometres, this Federal Marine Park comprises approximately 99% of the property. The GBR Marine Park's legal jurisdiction ends at low water mark along the mainland (with the exception of port areas) and around islands (with the exception of 70 Commonwealth managed islands which are part of the Marine Park).  In addition the GBR also includes over 900 islands within the jurisdiction of Queensland, about half of which are declared as 'national parks', and the internal waters of Queensland that occur within the World Heritage boundary (including a number of long-established port areas).

The World Heritage property is and has always been managed as a multiple-use area.  Uses include a range of commercial and recreational activities. The management of such a large and iconic world heritage property is made more complex due to the overlapping State and Federal jurisdictions. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, an independent Australian Government agency, is responsible for protection and management of the GBR Marine Park.  The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 was amended in 2007 and 2008, and now provides for “the long term protection and conservation ... of the Great Barrier Reef Region” with specific mention of meeting "... Australia's responsibilities under the World Heritage Convention".

Queensland is responsible for management of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, established under the Marine Parks Act 2004 (Qld). This is contiguous with the GBR Marine Park and covers the area between low and high water marks and many of the waters within the jurisdictional limits of Queensland. Queensland is also responsible for management of most of the islands.

The overlapping jurisdictional arrangements mean that the importance of complementary legislation and complementary management of islands and the surrounding waters is well recognised by both governments. Strong cooperative partnerships and formal agreements exist between the Australian Government and the Queensland Government. In addition, strong relationships have been built between governments and commercial and recreational industries, research institutions and universities. Collectively this provides a comprehensive management influence over a much wider context than just the marine areas and islands.

Development and land use activities in coastal and water catchments adjacent to the property also have a fundamental and critical influence on the values within the property.  The Queensland Government is responsible for natural resource management and land use planning for the islands, coast and hinterland adjacent to the GBR. Other Queensland and Federal legislation also protects the property’s Outstanding Universal Value addressing such matters as water quality, shipping management, sea dumping, fisheries management and environmental protection.

The Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) provides an overarching mechanism for protecting the World Heritage values from inappropriate development, including actions taken inside or outside which could impact on its heritage values. This requires any development proposals to undergo rigorous environmental impact assessment processes, often including public consultation, after which the Federal Minister may decide, to approve, reject or approve under conditions designed to mitigate any significant impacts. A recent amendment to the EPBC Act makes the GBR Marine Park an additional 'trigger' for a matter of National Environmental Significance which provides additional protection for the values within the GBR. 

The GBR Marine Park and the adjoining GBR Coast Marine Park are zoned to allow for a wide range of reasonable uses while ensuring overall protection, with conservation being the primary aim. The zoning spectrum provides for increasing levels of protection for the 'core conservation areas' which comprise the 115,000 square kilometres of ‘no-take’ and ‘no-entry’ zones within the GBR.

While the Zoning Plan is the 'cornerstone' of management and provides a spatial basis for determining where many activities can occur, zoning is only one of many spatial management tools and policies applied to collectively protect the GBR. Some activities are better managed using other spatial and temporal management tools like Plans of Management, Special Management Areas, Agreements with Traditional Owners and permits (often tied to specific zones or smaller areas within zones, but providing a detailed level of management not possible by zoning alone). These statutory instruments also protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. 

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples undertake traditional use of marine resource activities to provide traditional food, practice their living maritime culture, and to educate younger generations about traditional and cultural rules and protocols.  In the GBR these activities are managed under both Federal and Queensland legislation and policies including Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreements (TUMRAs) and Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs).  These currently cover some 30 per cent of the GBR inshore area, and support Traditional Owners to maintain cultural connections with their sea country.

Similarly non-statutory tools like site management and Industry Codes of Practice contribute to the protection of World Heritage values. Some spatial management tools are not permanently in place nor appear as part of the zoning, yet achieve effective protection for elements of biodiversity (e.g. the temporal closures that are legislated across the GBR prohibit all reef fishing during specific moon phases when reef fish are spawning).

Other key initiatives providing increased protection for the GBR include thecomprehensive Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report (and its resulting 5-yearly reporting process); the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan; the GBR Climate Change Action Plan; and the Reef Guardians Stewardship Programs which involve building relationships and working closely with those who use and rely on the GBR or its catchment for their recreation or their business. 

The 2009 Outlook Report identified the long-term challenges facing the GBR; these are dominated by climate change over the next few decades. The extent and persistence of damage to the GBR ecosystem will depend to a large degree on the amount of change in the world’s climate and on the resilience of the GBR ecosystem to such change. This report also identified continued declining water quality from land-based sources, loss of coastal habitats from coastal development, and some impacts from fishing, illegal fishing and poaching as the other priority issues requiring management attention for the long-term protection of the GBR.

Emerging issues since the 2009 Outlook Report include proposed port expansions, increases in shipping activity, coastal development and intensification and changes in land use within the GBR catchment; population growth; the impacts from marine debris; illegal activities; and extreme weather events including floods and cyclones.

Further building the resilience of the GBR by improving water quality, reducing the loss of coastal habitats and increasing knowledge about fishing and its effects and encouraging modified practices, will give the GBR its best chance of adapting to and recovering from the threats ahead, including the impacts of a changing climate.

• Twitter account
• Instagram page
• Facebook page
• The Official Site for Australian Travel and Tourism Australia
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Great Barrier Reef (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)
• Protectedplanet.net

The Nomination files produced by the States Parties are published by the World Heritage Centre at its website and/or in working documents in order to ensure transparency, access to information and to facilitate the preparations of comparative analysis by other nominating States Parties.

The sole responsibility for the content of each Nomination file lies with the State Party concerned. The publication of the Nomination file does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the World Heritage Committee or of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the history or legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries.

State of Conservation (SOC)

Protections by other conservation instruments.

1 protection / 2 elements

• Bowling Green Bay
• Shoalwater and Corio Bays

Read more about synergies

Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef Essay

Introduction.

The Great Barrier Reef is located along the Queensland coastline. It encompasses 2,900 reefs and stretches for 345,000 square kilometers making it the largest Reef in the World. It is important to protect this Reef since it contains a variety of different types of marine species and birds. It is documented that the Reef is home to 1,500 species o fish, 175 species of birds. Moreover, it has 30 species of marine mammals, a small population of threatened marine turtles, and 359 types of hard coral. (WWF Australia 2008). It is important to protect the Reef since it is estimated that more than two million people visit the site each year. It, therefore, contributes to the Australian economy by bringing in more than 2 billion Australian dollars. (Culture. Gov. AU 2008).

On discussion, this paper is mainly going to concentrate on the challenges that are threatening the Great Barrier Reef. One of the major challenges that are facing is the decline in the water levels. It has been estimated that the water level in this region has declined by more than 50%. Apart from water decline, there has also been a decrease in the water quality around this region mainly due to the farming activities that are carried on around this region. Water runoff from the farms is the major cause of this. This runoff contains chemicals from the pesticides and the fertilizers used in the farms. Furthermore, these farming activities have been causing overgrazing which has also impacted this Great Barrier Reef. Another problem is the bleaching of the coral reef that is caused by global warming. There are also concerns of Overfishing, in itself, is a human activity that if not checked will destroy marine life. Collisions involving big ships in the Great Barrier Reef have resulted in accidents. Because of these accidents, hazardous wastes are deposited into the sea. In simple terms, this hazardous waste interferes with the normal biological life of the sea.

The daily human endeavors have been causing climate change brought about by global warming. The pollution has resulted in the emission of greenhouse gases that have resulted in global warming. To protect the environment human population has to use the resources available at the Great Barrier Reef sustainably to prevent further depletion and environmental degradation.

Although Tourism has been considered to be a major foreign exchange earner in this region, it has also been known to cause environmental threats in this region. Tourists for instance kill coral by stepping on the sand and throwing rubbish into the reef hence causing the death of the Coral Reef . ( Sydenham, S. & Thomas, R. 2008). Despite this shortcoming of tourism it has remained to be lucrative generating billions of money. As much as tourism remains to be a moneymaker its management is geared towards ecological sustainability. For sustainable tourism to be maintained industries and management agencies have gone a step ahead to educate the tourists and staff as part of a planned programmed to promote understanding of environmental issues. (Harriott, VickiJ 2008).

To protect the Great Barrier Reef the administration has put in place several policies to protect this region. A case in point is the Memorandum of understanding that was reached by both the Australian and the Queensland Governments to develop what was known as Reef Water Quality protection plan to prevent pollution from destroying the Reef. In this plan, A panel of scientists was to advise on the quality of waste. There was also the Great Barrier Reef. Marine Park zoning plan was put into effect in 2004. This plan was meant to protect the region from fishing to preserve a healthy ecosystem. (WWFAustralia 2008).

In conclusion, the management of the Great Barrier Reef promotes tourism but at the same time maintains ecologically sound activities.

Dianne Dredge, John Jenkins. Tourism Planning and Policy. Wiley.

Great Barrier Reef 30th 2007. Web.

Great Barrier Reef 2008. Web.

Harriott, Vicki J. Marine Tourism Impacts On The Great Barrier Reef. 2008. Web.

Reef Water Quality Protection Plan. 2008. Web.

Sydenham, S. & Thomas, R. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef 2008. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, October 7). Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef. https://ivypanda.com/essays/protected-marine-areas-great-barrier-reef/

"Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef." IvyPanda , 7 Oct. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/protected-marine-areas-great-barrier-reef/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef'. 7 October.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef." October 7, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/protected-marine-areas-great-barrier-reef/.

1. IvyPanda . "Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef." October 7, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/protected-marine-areas-great-barrier-reef/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef." October 7, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/protected-marine-areas-great-barrier-reef/.

• Biology: Coral Reef and Its Diseases
• Global Warming and Coral Reefs
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Reefs
• Tourism Effects on Cultures of Host Nations
• The Impact of SARS on the Hong Kong Tourism Industry
• The Positive Impact of Environment on Tourist Industry
• Scale and Scope of the UK Tour Operations Market
• Potentials for Tourism in Developing Countries

Find the Mistakes in the Theory of Predictive Coding

How our clothes contribute to climate change, openmind books, scientific anniversaries, francesco redi, the first mythbuster, featured author, latest book, the great barrier reef: the story of a natural wonder.

When the British explorer James Cook (November 7, 1728 – February 14, 1779) embarked on his first scientific expedition, he took with him an assignment from the Royal Society—to observe from Tahiti the transit of Venus across the Sun—and a confidential mission from the British Admiralty—to search the South Pacific for any signs of the Terra Australis Incognita (unknown southern land) believed by the Royal Society to exist.

After observing the astronomical transit, the HMS Endeavour , captained by Cook, sailed westwards, where it ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef on June 11, 1770 . The crew spent more than six weeks repairing the ship on a nearby beach at the mouth of a river—which Cook named Endeavour—where they made contact with Aboriginal people, who had known about this natural wonder for centuries.

Beloved by Australians, the reef complex—whose origins date back to the Miocene epoch— faces significant threats to its survival and the species that inhabit it. 

FROM THE MIOCENE TO EUROPEAN EXPLORERS

“A reef such a one as I now speak of is a thing scarcely known in Europe or indeed anywhere but in these seas: it is a wall of coral rock rising almost perpendicularly out of the unfathomable ocean ,” wrote Joseph Banks , one of the botanists on Cook’s expedition, obviously impressed.

His description was very accurate. This immense natural belt is formed by about two thousand reefs and nearly one thousand islands . Its extent covers more than 344,000 square kilometres, to the northeast of Australia, and is composed of living coral that grows on dead coral. It is precisely this lifeless colonial animal that makes up the great walls of coral rock that Banks referred to, which in some places measure up to one hundred metres in height.

The first reefs date back to the Miocene epoch, some 23 million years ago, when they began to grow on the Marion Plateau . Over the years they expanded, were born, grew and died. About 20,000 years ago, when the coast of Queensland (Australia) was located very close to the outer edge of the reef, Aboriginal people had contact with it and the thousands of creatures that inhabited it, including sponges, fish, worms, starfish, turtles, molluscs and crustaceans.

Cook was not the first European to discover the marine enclave. The Portuguese appear to have been there in the 16th or 17th century, but the British expedition was the first to describe it scientifically and bring it to the attention of European researchers, including Charles Darwin . Although the British naturalist did not observe the reef from the Beagle , he wrote about it thanks to the texts of other explorers.

BLEACHING, ITS GREAT THREAT

Despite being protected by UNESCO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority , the reef is in danger. The culprit is rising temperatures caused by climate change. As the water warms, the single-celled zooxanthellae algae that live inside the polyps begin to produce oxidising molecules that are toxic to the coral, so the coral expels them. As the coral loses the photosynthetic algae that give it colour, it bleaches. This does not kill the coral directly, but it weakens it and makes it more susceptible to disease and nutrient deprivation, which will eventually kill it.

According to Chris Roelfsema , a researcher at the University of Queensland (Australia) and director of the 3D Great Barrier Reef Habitat Mapping Project, bleaching is the biggest threat to the coral reef and is the most difficult to control because of change climate. “The waters around the corals have increased their temperature more than normal,” he explains to OpenMind . 

According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation , Australian reefs have suffered at least six such major episodes since 1998, the most recent in 2022. This last episode, in which bleaching was observed in 91% of coral reefs surveyed , was particularly worrying because it occurred during a summer when the La Niña phenomenon, characterised by a cooling of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, was occurring. A recovery has been observed in 2023 , with a record 36% growth, but scientists warn that this will be short-lived and that climate change will continue to wreak havoc.

DOLPHINS AND DUGONGS AT RISK

But bleaching is not the only threat to the reef. The impacts of cyclones and the proliferation of the crown-of-thorns starfish , which devours live corals and grows best in warmer waters, also threaten the survival of the barrier reef. According to scientists, these two factors were primarily responsible for the loss of 50% of coral cover between 1985 and 2012 .

These threats are affecting species living around the corals , such as 30 species of whales and dolphins , including vulnerable species such as the Australian snubfin dolphin ( Orcaella heinsohni ) and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin ( Sousa chinensis ); dugongs, which are also threatened ; and some species of sharks. Seagrass beds, on which dugongs and green turtles feed, are also declining .

PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN IDENTITY

After the Antarctic’s seasonal ice flows, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure visible from space . Its incalculable ecological value prompted UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is a natural treasure that Australians feel is part of their identity. “It is an iconic ecosystem that has a profound influence on Australians across the country,” says Jeremy Goldberg of the College of Business, Law and Governance at James Cook University (Australia).

Goldberg led a study in which researchers asked some 2,000 Australians a series of questions about the reef. 77% said they felt the Great Barrier Reef was part of their identity as Australians and 54% said they would be personally affected if the reef were harmed. In view of the degradation of the reef ecosystem, organisations such as Earthjustice and Environmental Justice Australia have accused the country of not doing enough to combat climate change and thereby contributing to the deterioration of the Great Barrier Reef. As a result, UNESCO itself has recommended to the World Heritage Committee that the Great Barrier Reef be added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger .

Javier Yanes

This article was originally published in june 2017 by  laura chaparro   , related publications.

• 10 Houses for an Environmental Architecture
• Five Reasons for Understanding why Sustainability is Here to Stay
• Green Societies: the Key to Resilience, Sustainability and Adaptation

Extreme Natural Phenomena

More about science, environment, leading figures, mathematics, scientific insights, more publications about ventana al conocimiento (knowledge window), comments on this publication.

Morbi facilisis elit non mi lacinia lacinia. Nunc eleifend aliquet ipsum, nec blandit augue tincidunt nec. Donec scelerisque feugiat lectus nec congue. Quisque tristique tortor vitae turpis euismod, vitae aliquam dolor pretium. Donec luctus posuere ex sit amet scelerisque. Etiam sed neque magna. Mauris non scelerisque lectus. Ut rutrum ex porta, tristique mi vitae, volutpat urna.

Sed in semper tellus, eu efficitur ante. Quisque felis orci, fermentum quis arcu nec, elementum malesuada magna. Nulla vitae finibus ipsum. Aenean vel sapien a magna faucibus tristique ac et ligula. Sed auctor orci metus, vitae egestas libero lacinia quis. Nulla lacus sapien, efficitur mollis nisi tempor, gravida tincidunt sapien. In massa dui, varius vitae iaculis a, dignissim non felis. Ut sagittis pulvinar nisi, at tincidunt metus venenatis a. Ut aliquam scelerisque interdum. Mauris iaculis purus in nulla consequat, sed fermentum sapien condimentum. Aliquam rutrum erat lectus, nec placerat nisl mollis id. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Nam nisl nisi, efficitur et sem in, molestie vulputate libero. Quisque quis mattis lorem. Nunc quis convallis diam, id tincidunt risus. Donec nisl odio, convallis vel porttitor sit amet, lobortis a ante. Cras dapibus porta nulla, at laoreet quam euismod vitae. Fusce sollicitudin massa magna, eu dignissim magna cursus id. Quisque vel nisl tempus, lobortis nisl a, ornare lacus. Donec ac interdum massa. Curabitur id diam luctus, mollis augue vel, interdum risus. Nam vitae tortor erat. Proin quis tincidunt lorem.

Do you want to stay up to date with our new publications?

Receive the OpenMind newsletter with all the latest contents published on our website

OpenMind Books

• The Search for Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
• View all books

About OpenMind

Connect with us.

• Keep up to date with our newsletter

• South Africa
• Philippines
• All N. America
• All S. America
• Solomon Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand
• All Oceania

About Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, a natural marvel nestled in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia, stands as the world’s largest coral reef system. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles), this vibrant underwater wonderland is a masterpiece of biodiversity. Comprising thousands of coral reefs and islands, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an astonishing array of marine life, from brilliantly colored coral formations to a diverse spectrum of fish, mollusks, and marine mammals.

The reef’s kaleidoscopic coral formations not only create a mesmerizing underwater spectacle but also serve as crucial habitats for an extraordinary range of species. Beyond its stunning aesthetic, the Great Barrier Reef plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans.

Threatened by climate change and other environmental pressures, the reef is a testament to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef invites explorers to marvel at its beauty and underscores the importance of preserving this irreplaceable natural treasure for future generations.

Physical Description

The Great Barrier Reef, Earth’s largest coral reef system, stretches over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles) along the northeastern coast of Australia. This sprawling underwater wonderland comprises thousands of coral reefs and islands.

The reef’s vibrant and intricate coral formations create a kaleidoscope of colors beneath the crystal-clear waters. While the Great Barrier Reef doesn’t have islands in the traditional sense, it includes numerous coral cays and islets. These formations host an extraordinary diversity of marine life, from colorful fish to majestic marine mammals.

The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving hub of marine life, featuring a dazzling array of species. Here are ten of the most popular:

• Great Barracuda: Sleek and formidable, barracudas are known for their impressive size and speed as they navigate the reef’s waters.
• Clownfish: Famous for their association with sea anemones, clownfish flaunt vibrant colors and a unique partnership with their stinging hosts.
• Maori Wrasse: With its distinctive hump on the forehead, the Maori wrasse is a charismatic reef inhabitant known for its curious behavior.
• Green Sea Turtle: Graceful and iconic, green sea turtles glide through the reef, feeding on seagrasses and adding to the reef’s allure.
• Giant Clam: These massive and colorful mollusks contribute to the reef’s diversity, creating a visually stunning spectacle.
• Manta Ray: Majestic and graceful, manta rays dance through the water, captivating observers with their elegant movements.
• Humphead Wrasse: Recognized by its distinctive bulging forehead, the humphead wrasse is a striking and important species for reef health.
• Dolphin: Several species of dolphins frequent the Great Barrier Reef, delighting visitors with playful acrobatics and social behaviors.
• Sharks (Various): From reef sharks to hammerheads, the reef is home to several shark species, showcasing the predator-prey dynamics of the ecosystem.
• Butterflyfish: Adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, butterflyfish add a touch of elegance to the coral gardens.

These remarkable species, among countless others, make the Great Barrier Reef a biodiversity hotspot and a global treasure for marine enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

The best times to visit the Great Barrier Reef are during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is more stable for enjoyable reef activities. Here’s a breakdown of average temperatures:

• June to August (Winter): Highs range from 73 to 79°F (23 to 26°C), and lows are between 59 and 64°F (15 to 18°C). This season offers clear waters and is ideal for diving and snorkeling.
• September to November (Spring): Highs increase to 79 to 84°F (26 to 29°C), and lows range from 64 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Spring marks the end of the dry season, with warm temperatures and vibrant marine life.
• December to February (Summer): Highs peak at 84 to 88°F (29 to 31°C), and lows are around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). This wet season brings warmer water temperatures but occasional rainfall.
• March to May (Autumn): Highs stay between 79 and 84°F (26 to 29°C), and lows range from 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Autumn signals the transition to the dry season, with comfortable temperatures and good visibility.

These temperature ranges make the dry season more favorable for underwater activities, providing optimal conditions for exploring the vibrant marine life and coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef.

Experiencing the Reef

Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef is a thrilling adventure, and here are some fantastic ways to make the most of your visit with this natural wonder:

• Snorkeling: Dive into the clear waters with a mask and snorkel to witness the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life up close. It’s a fantastic way to explore the shallow reefs.
• Scuba Diving: For a deeper exploration, scuba diving allows you to delve into the heart of the reef, discovering intricate coral formations and encountering larger marine species like sharks and rays.
• Island Hopping: Explore the various islands surrounding the reef, each offering unique experiences. From relaxing on sandy beaches to exploring lush rainforests, the islands provide diverse activities.
• Boat Tours: Join a boat tour to cruise along the reef, providing panoramic views and access to different reef sites. Many tours offer guided snorkeling and diving excursions.
• Helicopter Tours: Gain a breathtaking aerial perspective by taking a helicopter tour. Witness the vastness of the reef and its mesmerizing patterns from above.
• Sailing Adventures: Embark on a sailing trip to traverse the reef’s waters, combining the thrill of sailing with opportunities for snorkeling and island exploration.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Ideal for those who prefer staying dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer a window to the underwater world, showcasing the reef’s beauty without getting wet.
• Seaplane Excursions: Experience the reef from the sky with a seaplane ride, providing stunning aerial views and the chance to spot marine life from above.
• Educational Tours: Join guided tours led by marine biologists for a deeper understanding of the reef’s ecosystem, highlighting conservation efforts and the importance of preserving this natural wonder.
• Night Diving and Snorkeling: For a unique adventure, try night diving or snorkeling to witness the nocturnal activities of the reef’s inhabitants, including fascinating coral fluorescence.

Whether you’re an avid diver, snorkeler, or prefer above-water experiences, the Great Barrier Reef offers a range of activities to suit every adventurer’s preference.

Photography tips

Capturing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef requires careful consideration and technique. Here are some photography tips and iconic locations for stunning images:

• Snorkeling and Diving: Explore popular dive and snorkel sites like the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, and Osprey Reef for vibrant coral and marine life.
• Natural Light: Use natural light to your advantage. Best underwater shots are often taken during the morning and early afternoon when sunlight penetrates the water most effectively.
• Helicopter Tours: Take a helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views. Capture the reef’s intricate patterns and vibrant colors from above.
• Whitsunday Islands: Shoot the swirling sands around the Whitsunday Islands for unique aerial perspectives.
• Whitehaven Beach: Visit Whitehaven Beach for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. Sunset and sunrise shots are particularly stunning.
• Fitzroy Island: Explore Fitzroy Island for diverse photo opportunities, including lush landscapes and coastal scenes.
• Lady Elliot Island: Head to Lady Elliot Island for remarkable opportunities to capture turtles, manta rays, and diverse birdlife.
• Heron Island: Photograph nesting seabirds and the annual turtle hatching on Heron Island.
• Split-Level Shots: Master split-level photography to capture both the underwater and above-water worlds simultaneously.

Remember to respect the delicate ecosystem, follow environmental guidelines, and prioritize the well-being of the reef while capturing its beauty through your lens.

1. What are the reasons the Great Barrier Reef is one of the World Wonders?

The Great Barrier Reef is officially recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World because it is the largest coral reef in the world. It is considered a natural wonder for several compelling reasons:

• Breathtaking Biodiversity: The Great Barrier Reef is home to an unparalleled diversity of marine life, including thousands of species of fish, coral, mollusks, and other marine organisms. Its vibrant ecosystems contribute to its status as a biodiversity hotspot.
• Largest Coral Reef System: Stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles), the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Its sheer size and complexity make it a natural wonder, showcasing the intricate interplay between marine life and coral formations.
• Magnificent Coral Formations: The reef boasts a stunning array of coral formations, including intricate coral gardens, colorful coral bommies, and vast coral cays. These formations contribute to the reef’s visual appeal and ecological significance.
• Global Environmental Importance: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef holds global environmental significance. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans, serving as a habitat for numerous species and contributing to the overall balance of marine ecosystems.
• Tourist Attraction and Recreation: The Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of visitors annually who seek to witness its beauty and engage in various recreational activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boat tours. Its popularity as a tourist destination enhances its global recognition.
• Cultural Significance: The Great Barrier Reef holds cultural importance for Indigenous Australian communities, adding a cultural and historical dimension to its natural wonder status.
• Conservation Challenges: The reef faces environmental threats, including coral bleaching and climate change. Conservation efforts to preserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef highlight the importance of safeguarding this natural wonder for future generations.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for its statistical and  ecological significance, breathtaking beauty, and global importance make it a natural wonder of the world.

2. What are the most important travel trips?

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a remarkable experience, and here are some crucial travel tips to make the most of your trip:

• The dry season (June to October) offers the best weather conditions with calm seas and good visibility for underwater activities.
• Cairns and Port Douglas are popular base locations with easy access to the reef. Choose based on your preferences for accommodations, activities, and departure points.
• Plan and book your reef tours in advance, especially if you have specific activities in mind like snorkeling, diving, or island hopping.
• If you’re new to snorkeling or diving, consider taking a course. It enhances your experience and ensures you’re comfortable and safe in the water.
• The Australian sun can be intense. Wear reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun.
• Bring or rent underwater photography gear if you want to capture the vibrant marine life. Some tours offer rental services.
• Follow responsible reef etiquette. Avoid touching or standing on coral, and keep a safe distance from marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before boat trips. Medications or wristbands can help alleviate symptoms.
• Opt for tours and operators accredited by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Certified operators adhere to environmental guidelines and prioritize reef conservation.
• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers potential emergencies, including medical evacuations if needed.

Getting There:

• Cairns and Hamilton Island have major airports with direct flights from various Australian cities. Choose the one that aligns with your travel plans.
• Most reef tours depart from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Airlie Beach. Choose a day tour or a liveaboard experience depending on your preferences.
• For a scenic arrival, consider taking a helicopter or seaplane tour to reach the reef from coastal cities.
• Some islands on the reef, like the Whitsundays, offer resort accommodations with direct access to the reef.

Remember, the Great Barrier Reef is a delicate ecosystem, so practice responsible tourism to ensure its preservation for future generations.

3. What is the need for conservation efforts?

The Great Barrier Reef faces various conservation challenges that require concerted efforts to ensure its long-term health and sustainability. Some key needs for conservation efforts include:

• Addressing climate change is crucial as rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching, disrupting the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae. Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential.
• Implementing strategies to monitor and respond to coral bleaching events, such as early warning systems and rapid response plans, helps minimize the impact on coral health.
• Expanding and effectively managing marine protected areas helps safeguard critical habitats and allows marine life to thrive without excessive human interference.
• Reducing pollution runoff from agricultural activities and urban areas is vital to maintaining water quality. Sediment and nutrient runoff can harm coral reefs and contribute to the growth of harmful algae.
• Implementing and enforcing sustainable tourism practices, including visitor caps, responsible snorkeling and diving guidelines, and education programs, help minimize the impact of tourism on the reef.
• Continued research on reef ecosystems, coral health, and the impact of environmental stressors provides valuable data for informed conservation strategies. Regular monitoring helps track changes over time.
• Controlling and preventing the introduction of invasive species, such as the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, is essential to protect the reef’s native biodiversity.
• Engaging local communities and educating the public about the importance of the Great Barrier Reef fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages proactive conservation efforts.
• Collaborating with local, national, and international organizations, as well as governments, is critical for pooling resources, sharing expertise, and coordinating efforts to address global challenges like climate change.
• Developing and implementing adaptive management strategies allows for flexible conservation approaches that can be adjusted based on the evolving conditions of the reef.
• Implementing targeted programs to control the population of crown-of-thorns starfish, which can contribute to coral loss, is crucial for reef health.

Efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef require a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, involving scientists, policymakers, local communities, and the broader public to ensure the continued existence and vitality of this extraordinary natural wonder.

4. How can visitors and the public help the Great Barrier Reef?

Visitors and the public play a crucial role in supporting the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. Here are ways they can contribute to the well-being of the reef:

• Opt for tour operators and accommodations that follow sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Look for those certified by recognized environmental organizations.
• Follow guidelines for responsible reef etiquette, such as avoiding touching or standing on coral. Keep a safe distance from marine life and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Minimize your carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation options and reducing energy consumption. Support initiatives that promote renewable energy sources.
• Join beach clean-up events and contribute to keeping the coastal areas and islands surrounding the reef free of debris. Marine debris can harm the reef’s ecosystem.
• Learn about the challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef and share this knowledge with others. Understanding the importance of conservation encourages collective action.
• Contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to reef conservation. Your support helps fund research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives.
• If you witness coral bleaching or damage during your visit, report it to the appropriate authorities. Early detection can aid in response and recovery efforts.
• Opt for sustainably sourced seafood to reduce the impact of overfishing and support fisheries that prioritize environmental sustainability.
• Minimize the use of single-use plastics, such as bottles and bags, to prevent plastic pollution. Plastic debris can have detrimental effects on marine life.
• Practice water conservation to reduce the strain on local ecosystems. This includes using water-efficient appliances and being mindful of water usage.
• Acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef to Indigenous communities. Learn about their traditional practices and the importance of the reef in their heritage.
• Support policies and initiatives that promote reef conservation. Advocate for sustainable practices and policies at the local, national, and international levels.

By adopting responsible and sustainable behaviors, visitors and the public can contribute to the protection and preservation of the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity for future generations.

7 Natural Wonders of World

Aurora Borealis

Grand Canyon

Harbor of rio de janeiro

Mount Everest

Victoria Falls

Wonders of australia.

Daintree Rainforest

Fraser Island

Pinnacles Desert

Program: The Science Show

Student essay winner calls for action to save the Great Barrier Reef

• X (formerly Twitter)

Carol Ge: There were seven and then there were six. A children's nursery rhyme? Or a description of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven great natural wonders. Vast watery shades of blue, as endless as the sky. Coral of magnificent shapes and sizes line the seafloor. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef, one of the seven great wonders of the natural world.

Cool water envelops the beach, washing away rounded sand grains, shaped by endless tides and currents. Fish in brilliant hues of orange and yellow swim by, while the anemones sway to the currents. A home to thousands of unique marine species, a true Australian beauty, thriving over thousands of years. Beneath the surface of the water, time seems eternal. But time is running out. Climate change is a major concern in society, and with increasing population, over-exploitation and growing demand for resources, sustainability is becoming the number one overarching issue for future generations.

The Great Barrier Reef is among countless natural habitats which are rapidly deteriorating, caused primarily by climate change. Climate change has led to many issues affecting the reef, such as rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased severity of cyclones. High water temperatures have caused fast bleaching of coral. The stressed coral expels a symbiotic algae living inside its tissue, which results in a drastic white colour of bleached coral. This bleached coral does not survive if the stress continues over a long period, and the algae does not return.

Shockingly, 93% of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached to some degree according to the National Coral Bleaching Task Force. Ocean acidification is another issue the reef is facing, as the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere changes the chemistry of seawater, making the water more acidic. This weakens the structure of the coral. And tropical cyclones also unleash extensive physical damage to the reef and its structure. The severity of cyclones is increasing.

The Great Barrier Reef is currently in great peril. It is not predicted to survive past the year 2100, which is just 83 years from now. The future of the reef, one of the great natural wonders of the world, is in our hands. Action and support of every individual and new innovative scientific research is crucial in helping the reef.

A team of Australian scientists at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science have been developing a method which could possibly help save the reef. While cloud brightening sounds far-fetched, it may be the most plausible way to reduce the effects of climate change on the reef, namely coral bleaching. Cloud brightening involves making clouds larger and more reflective, with less sunlight hitting the ocean below. Reducing heat in the ocean and decreasing the sea temperature during the hottest months would lessen coral bleaching. The idea of cloud brightening was previously considered for reducing the effects of global warming, but has never been considered for the Great Barrier Reef.

Cloud brightening works by spraying a mist of salt water throughout the air which increases the amount of small droplets in clouds. This causes the clouds to reflect more light back into space. Although technologies such as cloud brightening is exciting and would help the reef, it is short-term help which will only buy the reef time. Unless global greenhouse gas emissions are cut quickly, the reef will be destroyed. Even sadder, while the Great Barrier Reef is iconic, being the largest reef in the world, the same pressures, the same fate awaits all tropical coral reefs. The reef is a priceless natural wonder of the world, and it is ultimately up to us to save our Great Barrier Reef.

Robyn Williams: Carol Ge, one of the Bragg winners in year nine at Radford College, ACT. She's 15. Another of the young stars we've featured all year, and last year.

Bragg student essay winner Carol Ge is concerned over the fate of the Great Barrier Reef. In her essay, Carol describes pressures on the reef including coral bleaching from high water temperature and ocean acidification as high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolve into seawater increasing acidity. She says cloud brightening could help, a process which makes clouds reflect more heat back into space. Carol calls for action to save the Great Barrier Reef and all tropical reefs.

• Carol Ge, Writer
• Robyn Williams, Presenter
• David Fisher, Producer

Anti-depressant drugs affecting fish

In this episode

A new model for the electricity network

Anti-depressant drugs affect fish behaviour, bleached coral in the waters of keppel island northern queensland, 2017 bragg student prize for science writing – newsouth publishing, student essay winner explores potential solution to persistent plastic – the science show 2nd december 2017.

Discover more podcasts

Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Barrier Reef — My Experience Of Visiting Great Reef Barrier

My Experience of Visiting Great Reef Barrier

• Categories: Australia Barrier Reef

About this sample

Words: 750 |

Published: Nov 8, 2019

Words: 750 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, my trip to australia: a journey to the coral paradise.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Geography & Travel Environment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 543 words

5 pages / 2919 words

2 pages / 1109 words

3 pages / 1502 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is home to a vast array of marine life and plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem. However, in recent [...]

Therelationship between the coyote and the buffalo has been one of complexity and interdependence. These two iconic North American species have coexisted for centuries, each playing a unique role in the ecosystem. This essay [...]

When people think Australia, several images and feelings come about: kangaroos, beaches, sunshine, natural and exotic landscapes and scenery, the Outback and more. One of these images most people think of when they hear about [...]

The following research was conducted in order to assess the effect(s) caused by the depletion of a specific predator, the Green Sea Turtle, in the Andros Barrier Reef on the coral reef growth of coral reefs and survival. More [...]

The rapid, eco-friendly, non-pathogenic, economical protocol of using plant to produce silver nanoparticles has drawn the attention of the scientist because of providing a single step technique for the processes of biosynthesis [...]

The 'polluter pays' principle is a fundamental environmental policy concept that places the responsibility for the costs of pollution squarely on those who generate it. This principle, although seemingly straightforward, plays a [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• 18 April 2018

Great Barrier Reef saw huge losses from 2016 heatwave

• Quirin Schiermeier

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Heat stress and bleaching — the loss of symbiotic algae — killed many corals in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef after the 2016 crisis. Credit: Richard Vevers/XL Catlin SS/The Ocean Agency

Extreme heat in 2016 damaged Australia’s Great Barrier Reef much more substantially than initial surveys indicated, according to ongoing studies that have tracked the health of the coral treasure. The heatwave caused massive bleaching of the corals that captured worldwide attention .

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Nature 556 , 281-282 (2018)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-04660-w

Hughes, T. P. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0041-2 (2018)

Article   Google Scholar  

Hughes, T. P. et al. Science 359 , 80–83 (2018).

Article   PubMed   CAS   Google Scholar  

Hughes, T. P. et al. Nature 543 , 373–377 (2017).

Download references

Reprints and permissions

Related Articles

Corals worldwide hit by bleaching

Mass coral death drives efforts to identify resilient reefs

• Climate change
• Environmental sciences
• Ocean sciences

Forestry social science is failing the needs of the people who need it most

Editorial 15 MAY 24

2023 summer warmth unparalleled over the past 2,000 years

Article 14 MAY 24

Finding millennia-old ‘monumental’ corals could unlock secrets of climate resilience

Correspondence 07 MAY 24

One-third of Southern Ocean productivity is supported by dust deposition

Article 15 MAY 24

Diana Wall obituary: ecologist who foresaw the importance of soil biodiversity

Obituary 10 MAY 24

Rhizobia–diatom symbiosis fixes missing nitrogen in the ocean

Article 09 MAY 24

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is ‘transforming’ because of repeated coral bleaching

News 19 APR 24

Research Associate - Metabolism

Houston, Texas (US)

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

Postdoc Fellowships

Train with world-renowned cancer researchers at NIH? Consider joining the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute

Bethesda, Maryland

NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Faculty Recruitment, Westlake University School of Medicine

Faculty positions are open at four distinct ranks: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Full Professor, and Chair Professor.

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Westlake University

PhD/master's Candidate

PhD/master's Candidate    Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University is seeking candidates for PhD and master's students i...

Kanazawa University

Senior Research Assistant in Human Immunology (wet lab)

Senior Research Scientist in Human Immunology, high-dimensional (40+) cytometry, ICS and automated robotic platforms.

Boston, Massachusetts (US)

Boston University Atomic Lab

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Barrier Reef / The Description Of The Great Barrier Reef

The Description Of The Great Barrier Reef

• Category: Travelling , Environment
• Topic: Barrier Reef

Pages: 2 (1002 words)

• Downloads: -->

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Water Pollution Essays

Climate Change Essays

Disneyland Essays

Restaurant Essays

Adventure Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->