Coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef included, are vulnerable to even the slightest human influence. The human influence in the Great Barrier Reef has not only affected the coral, but the organisms that live in and near it. Over fishing, pollution and global warming are the main reasons that the reefs are being affected. Global warming that is created by human activity near the reefs has created a negative affect to the organisms living in the waters, as well as overfishing, that has disrupted the food webs and resulted in a negative domino affect. Development and farming has affected marine life as well, with the dangerous run off and sedimentation.
If steps are not carefully taken to save the coral reefs, and stop the destruction that is happening to them, the entire ecosystem can be affected. It will not only affect the ecosystem, but the economy of Queensland, Australia, as well. If the coral reefs are damaged, tourism will fall tremendously because the Great Barrier Reef is one of the main tourist attractions in Australia. Since touring the Great Barrier Reef can generate anywhere from $4 million to $5 million dollars per year, it is important to save the coral reef ecosystem.
Without coral reefs, the balance in the oceanic system of Australia will be affected. Since the coral act as a barrier between the ocean and the shore, if they are harmed, there will be nothing to stop the deep ocean from coming to the shore. Saving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef is not only important for the organisms that live there, but for the Australian economy as well.
If steps are not carefully taken to save the coral reefs, and stop the destruction that is happening to them, the entire ecosystem can be affected. It will not only affect the ecosystem, but the economy of Queensland, Australia, as well. If the coral reefs are damaged, tourism will fall tremendously because the Great Barrier Reef is one of the main tourist attractions in Australia. Since touring the Great Barrier Reef can generate anywhere from $4 million to $5 million dollars per year, it is important to save the coral reef ecosystem.
Without coral reefs, the balance in the oceanic system of Australia will be affected. Since the coral act as a barrier between the ocean and the shore, if they are harmed, there will be nothing to stop the deep ocean from coming to the shore. Saving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef is not only important for the organisms that live there, but for the Australian economy as well.
Information from University of Michigan's article: Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef