Coral Reef Destruction in Australia

Introduction

The paper aims to emphasize on the global issue regarding the destruction of Coral Reef specifically in Australia. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef. It is believed to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which compromises of over 3,000 individual reef systems, cays and islands (Australian Centre for Biodiversity, 2008). Coral reefs are disappearing at a shocking rate. A large number of populations rely on coral reefs for their food and livelihood, yet these essential resources may soon be vanished. In the last 30 years, the area has shrunk by half and effective solutions to the problem are still unfound (Hennessy et. Al., 2003).

Destruction of coral at this rate is a threat to many marine species. Researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Research released data showing the scale of the destruction of coral reefs. If this trend continues, the remaining coral will disappear by 2022. Coral reefs are very susceptible to human and natural disturbance, but are the extent and diversity of impacts resulting from human activities responsible for the vulnerable situation in which these systems (Preston & Jones, 2006). The coral reef ecosystems are very sensitive to external impacts that violate its homeostasis, whether natural or manmade. According to Ocean World, an online resource to report the destruction of coral reefs has 10 percent of the world's coral reefs has been destroyed already (greensmps.org.au).

Background

The Reef does contribute a significant amount to the economy of Australia. Tourism brings about $5 billion annually; commercial fishing makes around $140 million each year where as recreational utilization of the Reef brings approximately $150 million annually. The industries that depend on the Reef produce more than 60,000 job vacancies. Coral reef ecosystem is the foundation of Australia. Humans have exploited reef fish for thousands of years. In recent decades, however, the pressure on coral reefs has increased due to population growth, and then fishing practices have become more efficient. Inexpensive equipment such as metal hooks and nets allows everyone to go fishing (Greatbarrierreef. Org, 2010). All this makes the coral reefs exploited in an unsustainable manner, with a disruption of the ecosystem as a result. Several different types of unsustainable fishing have been identified.

Development of the Great Barrier Reef began before about 18 million years ago. Age reefs are estimated at about 20 million years, and some of its parts, even at 45.5 million years. In the current phase of development, which has been going on since 8000 years, new layers are built on old foundations (Australian Centre for Biodiversity, 2008). The barrier is located at different distances from the coast, ranging from 15 to 200 km, and covers an area of more than 344,000 km ². Great Barrier Reef includes about 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, which are surrounded by reefs, forming a coastal island. Width of the reef ranges from 2 km to 150 km (Wilkinson, 2002, pp. 393).

Coral reefs are probably the most extraordinary ecosystem on the ...