The Grave Barrier Reef: The callous and tragic destruction of a magical ecosystem

"The Great Barrier Reef is in grave danger, do we really care so little about the earth which we live, that we don't wish to protect one of it's greatest wonders from the consequences of our behaviour". Sir David Attenborough

 

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on this planet. It boasts the largest coral reef system on earth, stretching over an area of 344,000 square kilometres off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a wonderful ecosystem, home to over 30 species of whale, 1,500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and ray, six of the seven threatened marine species of turtle and the rare dugong (the sea cow).  There is a mosaic of over 2,900 beautiful reefs, filled with over 411 types of remarkable hard coral. The structure of the reef is so magnificent; it can be seen from space. The Barrier Reef also provides around $5.8 billion to the Australian economy each year and generates over 69,000 jobs.

Tragically, the entire Barrier Reef system is now in mortal danger. Scientists have concluded that over 93% of the entire Great Barrier Reef is now bleached because of climate change. This year already, a quarter of the entire reef has already been killed off. The largest ecosystem on earth, is rapidly dying; the beautiful ecosystems that once occurred here are rotting.  

 

                                            (Credit: Oceanography)

 

What is causing this?

 

Sadly, but not surprisingly, the main cause of coral bleaching is manmade climate change. Much of the carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere, dissolves in our oceans. In fact, our oceans have absolved nearly half of carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels (Sabine et all 2004). This in turn, has led to a increase in both global and sea level temperatures. Coral is extremely vulnerable to even the slightest temperature change.

 

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have stated that "temperature increases of only one degree Celsius for only four weeks can trigger bleaching events. If these temperatures persist for longer periods (eight weeks or more) corals begin to die." Bleaching breaks down the "relationship between the coral host and zooxanthellae, a substance which give coral much of their colour".  While some corals are able to feed themselves, most corals struggle to survive without their zooxanthellae.

 

Scientists have warned that by 2100, we could see global temperature increases of up to 6C. The consequences for the planet would be cataclysmic. Currently today, three quarters of all our fish stocks are now over-depleted, over exploited and over-used. The United Nations has warned that by 2048, we could see fishless oceans.

 

                                                   (Credit: Oceanography)

      

 How can you help?

By advocating and raising awareness about the plight of the Reef, it is my hope that we can all come together and put pressure on the Australian government to make sure that the Reef is properly protected and enforced. The Reef can recover, but it is going to take decades of hard work, dedication and care. The Paris Climate talks last year are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels.

 

You can take immediate action today by writing to both the Australian Government and the United Nations asking them to reconsider the decision taken last year to not place the Great Barrier Reef on the World Heritage endangered list. You can also  sign a number of petitions below which will be presented to the Federal Environmental Minister of Australia.

 

We have a short moment in history now to stop this, if we fail to take action today, there will be nothing left for our children and grandchildren. This remarkable ecosystem and the creatures that inhabit it will simply disappear, for me that would be a complete tragedy.

 

Petitions to Sign:

https://secure.greenpeace.org.uk/page/s/save-the-reef

https://fightforthereef.org.au/

https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/coal-seam-gas/unesco-great-barrier-reef/sign-the-petition


References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGNXcnncHPc

 https://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/publications/economic-contribution-great-barrier-reef-march-2013                     
                                         
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/managing-the-reef/threats-to-the-reef/climate-change/what-does-this-mean-for-species/corals/what-is-coral-bleaching

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/07/the-great-barrier-reef-a-catastrophe-laid-bare

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/global-warming-experts-say-temperatures-could-rise-by-6c-by-2100-with-cataclysmic-results-10193506.html

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/314/5800/787