Great Barrier Reef Negative Impacts

Negative Impacts

Environmental

Environmental impacts for example, Climate change, especially the rising ocean temperatures and Ocean Acidification is as of now influencing the Great Barrier Reefs Ecosystem. Coral bleaching coming about because of expanding ocean temperature and lower rates of calcification in skeleton-building life forms, for example, corals, because of sea acidification, are the impacts of most concern and are as of now obvious. Agricultural sources are adding to the waterfront and inshore territories of the Great Barrier Reef by expanded Nutrients, Sediments and different Pollutants in the catchment runoff. With the coastal population continuing to grow the coastal development grows which contributes to the modification

With the health of the ecosystem spreading with word of mouth, around the world, the attractiveness for visitors is being changed and thus affecting the marketability of the Reef. Although the increasing coastal population will increase the economic value of the Reef Trips, the economic benefits of direct use will be affected by the impacts of external factors. (Anon.,

It generates significant income, supports a large number of employees, and contributes to the reef’s World Heritage Values by presenting the reef to tourists and the community. (Harriott, 2002)

In the Great Barrier Reef Outlook 2009 (Anon., 2009) it states that both the Australian and Queensland Governments have direct legislative responsibilities within the Great Barrier Reef Region. A joint management arrangement between the Australian and Queensland Governments ensures integrated field management of the two marine protected areas, plus protected areas on the islands within the Region. In addition, many other government agencies, stakeholders and community members contribute to protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef, both on the water and in the