Table of Contents
How do humans use the Great Barrier Reef?
The Reef supports significant commercial industries, especially commercial marine tourism and fisheries, and supports employment equal to over 54,000 full-time positions. Shipping activity throughout the Great Barrier Reef is also a vital link in the production chain for many industries and services regional centres.
How has human interaction affected the Great Barrier Reef?
Human activity has in recent years led to the loss of large sections of Reef and raised serious questions about the strength of its biodiversity and its long-term future. Meanwhile, sediment reaching the Reef has increased up to 10 times in some areas in the last 150 years, mostly due to grazing and cropping expansion.
How do corals interact with humans?
Coral reefs provide food to millions of humans. Corals, like trees, provide three-dimensional structure and substrate to house and feed fish and other marine animals that humans eat.
How does the atmosphere interact with the Great Barrier Reef?
The Atmosphere significantly influences the functioning of the Great Barrier Reef. With the Great Barrier Reef being in the middle of Australias cyclone zone, the reef becomes vulnerable to cyclones which have shaped the reef system for years.
Do Coral reefs help humans?
Benefits of coral reef ecosystems Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. They are also are a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.
Why are coral reefs in danger?
Coral reefs face many threats from local sources, including: Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).
What are the human and physical threats to the Great Barrier Reef?
The Reef is highly vulnerable. In the past three decades, it has lost half its coral cover, pollution has caused deadly starfish outbreaks, and global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching. Coastal development also looms as a major threat.
What are two threats to corals?
Threats to Coral Reefs
- Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).
- Pollution that originates on land but finds its way into coastal waters.
What are the 3 main threats to the Great Barrier Reef?
Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, threatening its very existence.
- Water quality. Increasing sediment, nutrients and contaminants, combined with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are damaging the Reef.
- Crown of Thorns Starfish.
- Coastal development.