Human Uses
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most well-known and popular tourist destinations with over 2 million visitors each year. This tourism generates approximately AU$5-6 billion per year. Tourists and visitors usually take the chance to see the coral and its inhabitants close up by scuba diving, boat and submarine tours are also available. This scenic reef is unfortunately being damaged by humans and the pollution that comes with them. The Great Barrier Reef experienced 2 mass coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2002. More severe bleaching occurred in 2002, when an aerial survey showed that over 50% of reefs experienced coral bleaching. Humans also harm the reef when they visit by breaking off pieces of coral, boat anchors are also irresponsibly dropped and dragged on the reef. This beautiful reed is in danger of losing many species due to the climate change and pollution. Future generations may never be able to appreciate its beauty and awe.
HUMAN Impact on species
The continued use of the ecosystem by humans will impact the species severely. Coral will eventually be completely destroyed which will corrupt the whole food chain of the Great Barrie Reef ecosystem. Humans bring waste with them wherever they go and this will soon wipe out the beautiful reef we know today. If we keep going at this rate, future generations might never know that a Great Barrier Reef ever existed. Continuous pollution from humans are already effecting the species.
Here are some ways people are helping conserve the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem:
- The Great Barrier Reef became a marine park in 2004, now protected majority of the reef is protected by the Australian government.
- Fishing near the reef has been restrained to prevent the damage caused by fishing nets.
- People aren't allowed to take any pictures of the reef because the flash negatively affects the organisms living there.
- People are monitored at the reef to make sure that it is a safe a protected reef
- The Great Barrier Reef became a marine park in 2004, now protected majority of the reef is protected by the Australian government.
- Fishing near the reef has been restrained to prevent the damage caused by fishing nets.
- People aren't allowed to take any pictures of the reef because the flash negatively affects the organisms living there.
- People are monitored at the reef to make sure that it is a safe a protected reef