Ecotourism: The Great Barrier Reef
By Jon and Coy
A Coral Reef
The Great Barrier Reef
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef system. Stretching over 2,600 kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms.
Coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as jobs and businesses that support tourism and recreation. The Great Coral Reef buffers shorlines against waves, storms, and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage, and erosion.
Threats to the Great Barrier Reef
1. Climate Change
-The corals of the Great Barrier Reef are currently living at the upper edge of their temperature tolerance.
2. The Crown of Thorns star Fish
COT star fish outbreaks can occur and starfish must broaden their diet from their preferred species. (The surface living tissue of coral reefs)
3. Oil Spills
Due to shipping routes, oil spiils are a threat to the reef system, with a total of 282 oil spills between 1987-2002.
Conservation- The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources such as forests, soil, and water.
Restoration- An instance of restoring or of being restored