Case study: The Great Barrier Reef

Where is the great barrier reef located

Off the coast of queensland australia

What makes the great barrier reef so famous?

It is the world’s biggest single structure organism made by living things, it’s so big it can be seen from space! (it is also one of the seven natural owners of the world)

How far does the reef stretch?

2,300 kilometers (approximately 1429 miles)

When environmental and physical pressures are threatening the reef?

• Destructive fishing practices

• Tourism

• Climate change - coral bleaching

• Over-fishing

• Destruction fo mangroves

It is estimated that the reef has lost more then half its coral cover since 1985

Destructive fishing practices

Things such as dynamite and cyanide fishing not just this but regular fishing like trolling can snag Coral with a net

Over fishing

This affects the ecological balance

Tourism

Careless boating, diving and snorkeling causese damage such as anchors dropping on reef

Destruction of mangroves

The destruction of mangroves results in the depositing of sediment that clouds the water around coral reefs and killing coral

Why are coral reefs valuble?

• Fisheries

• Tourism

• Coastal Protection

• Source of Medical Advances

• Intrinsic Value

Fisheries

Coral reefs are vital to the world's fisheries. They form the nurseries for about a quarter of the ocean's fish with around 1500 species of fish, and thus provide revenue for local communities of many LIC as well as national and international fishing fleets.

Tourism

- Tourism revenues generated by coral reefs are also significant. For example, according to a report by the Key West chamber of commerce, tourists visiting Australia's Great Barrier Reef generates well over US$1 billion per year.

Coastal Protection

Coral reefs break the power of the waves during storms, hurricanes, typhoons, and even tsunamis. By helping to prevent coastal erosion, flooding, and loss of property on the shore, the reefs save many of lives and lots of money each year.

Source of Medical Advances

We can also expect coral reef species to contribute to future medical advances. Already coral reef organisms are being used in treatments for diseases like cancer and HIV. Just so long as they are alive and healthy.

Intrinsic Value

For many coastal societies around the world, coral reefs and their inhabitants are intricately woven into cultural traditions. For these people - as well as for those who have floated with a mask and snorkel, immersed themselves in the three-dimensional wonderland of a scuba dive, or experienced these habitats through media and books - a world without coral reefs would be an infinitely poorer place.