The Great Barrier Reef
Discussions and Findings
What impact are chemicals currently having on Corals and fish species on the Great Barrier Reef?
The impacts of chemicals on the Great Barrier Reef are far beyond what is first expected. The reef is subject to effects of sediment, nutrients and chemical pollutants that currently effect 25% of the worlds coral reefs (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015), including the Great Barrier Reef. These three effects result in a decline in water quality, which is due to an increase in nutrients caused by fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides and sewage. This particular cause for water quality results in the increase and spread of algae and other organisms that compete with coral (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). This increase in algae growth has
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These actions include; washing the car on the lawn to prevent detergents running into drains, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, placing rubbish in bins and recycling rubbish. People are also able to plant additional trees, ground coverings and place garden beds around the home ("Challenges and Solutions for The Great Barrier Reef,"). These simple yet effective measures if adhered to by everyone, will assist in creating a sustainable reef ("Challenges and Solutions for The Great Barrier …show more content…
Although the impact on reef fish is still uncertain. It is however, known that reef fish are losing habitats due to the impacts on corals. The wellbeing, reproduction and overall health of fish due to chemical runoff over time, is still being investigated (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). Research has identified that chemical runoff is increasing nutrient levels in the water. It is believed that this increase in nutrients is connected to the increase in crown of thorns starfish population, which poses another threat to the reef by impacting coral cover (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). Coral diversity, calcification, coral cover and coral development are all being impacted by chemicals reaching the reef (Amelia S. Wenger, 2015). If the amount of chemicals reaching the reef continues to increase, the reef will continue to diminish, coral species will become extinct and reef fish will lose their habitat, forcing them to relocate or
Coral Sea As A Turning Point In Australia's History
499 Words | 2 PagesIntroduction: World War 2 was a very significant time in Australia’s history and it was a defining point because it played a large part in shaping the way other countries viewed it. One of these events was the battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. This battle was a triumphant point for the allied forces (Australia and US) as they fought through a number of naval engagements to keep the Japanese from cutting Australia’s supply lines from America. The battle of the Coral Sea was a turning point in the war for multiple reasons such as the major events throughout the battle, the outcome and the measures taken to cause that outcome.
Examples Of Invasive Species Affecting The Everglades Ecosystem
1196 Words | 5 PagesThe increase in the changes of climate is affecting the delicate coral reefs. Coral reefs depend on a balanced temperature to thrive. The increased water temperature due to global warming are causing the coral to become bleached. They turn white and die. This also kills the wildlife and algae that live in them.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Essay
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Great White Sharks Research Paper
268 Words | 2 PagesThe Great White Shark The Great White Sharks, known mostly because of their white underbellies, are one of the most powerful aquatic animals in the world. They can swim at about 25 Miles Per Hour (40 Kilometers per hour) because of their strong muscles and forceful tails. In addition to that, male Great Whites can grow around 11.5 to 13.1 feet long, while females can grow from 14.8 to 16.4 feet long. This paper will demonstrate how Great White Sharks are an important part of their ecosystem, how their diets work and will adequately describe their habitats. As predators in their ecosystem, Great White sharks help maintain the coral reefs and seagrass habitats.
The Chesapeake River Watershed
933 Words | 4 Pages“These water bodies supply our drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, offer opportunities for recreation and provide habitat to numerous plants and animals.” Pollution is degrading our waters and one of the best forms to study the change in water quality is testing contaminants in fish that inhabit
Long Term Consequences In The Wilderness
436 Words | 2 PagesResearch has shown that sunscreen is having a negeative impact on the health of coral reefs. Trash is dumped and left on beaches daily. Oil spills and boat use disrupt fish and marine life. Erosion has become a big consern for the stability of beaches.
What Are The Human Activities That Affect Coral Reefs In The Caribbean
952 Words | 4 PagesIn Caribbean, 36 percent coral reefs are located within 2 km of the inhabited land thus this area of coral reefs ecology have highly susceptible to pressures arising from coastal populations. The extensive construction and development for roads, housing, ports and other development has been required to support both of the residential and tourist populations. The coastal development was poorly managed therefore put stress on coral reefs through direct damage from dredging, land reclamation and sand and limestone mining for construction as well as through less direct pressures such as runoff from construction sites and removal of coastal habitat. Besides that, the loss of mangrove and sea grass which filter sediment and nutrients coming from the land has been widespread in the Caribbean which lead to add the pressure towards coral reef ecology. Next, the increased sediment in the coastal waters reduces the amount of light reaching the coral and hinders the ability of their symbiotic algae which is zooxanthellae for photosynthesis.
Algae Growth Lab Report
843 Words | 4 PagesThe purpose of this lab was to test the effect of pollution on algae growth. Through a series of experiments that lasted a month, four of the six hypotheses were proven to be correct or partially correct. The first hypothesis stated that if 0.5 mL of salt was added to algae, then the algae would grow slower than the positive control. This was proven correct, as shown by the difference of the data from the positive control and the container with 0.5 mL of salt in it.
Great Barrier Reef Impact
1638 Words | 7 PagesThe importance of the Great Barrier Reef needs to be recognized due to the rapid increase of the recent mortality rates. After examination of the causes and effects of the Great Barrier Reef destruction, pollution plays the most significant
Artificial Reefs: A Rhetorical Analysis
1851 Words | 8 PagesOceans are peaceful, majestic, and filled with amazing and vibrant color. A lot of the prostown beauty in oceans can be credited to coral reefs. Lately though, natural coral reefs have been dying for various reasons, and some people believe that artificial reefs can help not only the natural reefs, but other surrounding ecosystems in their environment. Various articles use rhetorical techniques in hopes of enhancing their articles about whether or not artificial reefs are helping or harming the oceans. The first article, “Concern Lingers on Success of Artificial Reefs”, was written by Charles Q. Choi, and for Live Science, looks at both the pro and con side of artificial reefs.
The Weather Makers Chapter Summary
1024 Words | 5 PagesWhen the water of the sea becomes warmer due to higher temperatures which diminishes the oxygen content, the coral expels the algae that exists within their tissues causing it to turn completely white. This results in coral bleaching. Thus, the elevating heat stress which results from high sea temperatures serves as the main factor that induced damage to the coral reefs. If the heat prevails, the reef may even die instead of recovering. Coral reefs provide home to a significant number of sea species and coral bleaching causes their habitats to destroy completely and effect the marine life adversely.
Great Barrier Reef Tragedy
694 Words | 3 PagesEveryone has hardships throughout life for different reasons. In life, tragic change that plagues many is necessary for one’s eyes to be opened in order to see the harsh reality of life. In the book Metamorphosis a man named Gregor transforms into a giant cockroach overnight. His family faces the harsh reality of having to support themselves without Gregor who earned all the money.
Synthesis Essay About Water Pollution
885 Words | 4 PagesWater Pollution is a huge environmental problem that has serious effects on marine habitats, animals, and water quality. BP1: The world's marine habitat has been getting worse because of how bad the pollution has gotten. “ Over 80% of marine pollution comes from land based activities “ (source 5 ). This quote explains how most of the water pollution is caused by human activity. “ Plastic litter does not degrade, can be expected to last in the oceans for hundreds of years “ ( source 6 ).
Consequences Of Overfishing
800 Words | 4 PagesTherefore, the impact of overfishing and illegal collecting of coral may destroyed the social and economic well-being of the coastal communities who depend on fish for their way of life. Beside, it is also direct overexploitation of fish, intertebrates, and algae for food and the aquarium trade, removal of a species or group of species impacting multiple trophic levels, bycatch and mortality of nontarget species, and change from coral to algal dominance due to reduction in herbivores (Reef Resilience Organisation,
Essay On Coral Reefs
1577 Words | 7 PagesIn this research paper we will explore more about coral reefs and their importance. Coral reefs are communities of living organisms. They are made up of fishes, plants, and many other creatures. They have been around for millions of years: less than the 0.1% of the world’s ocean floor Is covered by coral reefs, however they grow very slowly, from 0.3 cm to 10 cm per year.
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