Threats
Climate change is the greatest threat facing the reef and a challenge we must all tackle together. The growing combination of rising water temperatures, poorer water quality from sediment run-off and pollution, as well as more severe cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, are just some of the threats creating a perfect storm for our Reef and the marine life that depends on it.
Climate change
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
When the coral-eating starfish appear in outbreak proportions, the impact on coral reefs can be disastrous.
Coastal development
As Queensland continues to grow, so does development along the coast and islands adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Region.
#The cumulative effect
of these threats weakens the Reef’s resilience, affecting its ability to recover from serious disturbances predicted
to become more frequent in the future.
#The good news
is that coral reefs are naturally resilient. By reducing threats and minimising impacts we enable reefs to naturally recover, even from the most damaging of tropical cyclones, such as Cyclone Yasi in 2011.
#The effects
are already being seen in many parts of our Reef, and without help the outlook is bleak.
#Saving the Reef
is a huge task, but it’s one that Australia can and must meet. There’s no alternative, but there is hope.