Effects Of Tourism On Coral Reefs

Tourism in Australia has evolved over the years and continues to increase to this day, however it is the effects that tourists have the ability to place on the Southern Great Barrier Reef which are potentially threatening for, not only the reef of lady Elliot Island, however, the corals surrounding it. “International visitations within Australia alone reached 3.9 million visitors within the first 7 months of 2014, which was an increase of approximately 9.5%, a number which continues to rise” (Tourism Australia, 2015). However, with this increasing number, comes possible damaging effects to the surrounding reefs of Lady Elliot Island, possibly leading to the excessive damage of corals due to activities and infrastructure requirements

Besides being a spectacle to look at, coral reefs are also one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. In addition to ⅓ of all fish (not just species) spend at least a portion of their lives on a reef, they are also home to mollusks, sponges, turtles, and a plethora of different species of coral (Basic Facts, 2014). Coral reefs also can protect coastlines from wave erosion and also help support fisherman that depend on the reef as their livelihood. Contrary to the

Conservationists around the world are putting their best foot forward in an attempt to save the coral reefs. Coral reefs today are at a high risk of damage because of all the attention drawn to them by tourists. There are some islands that make all their money through tourism and exploiting the coral reefs, giving snorkel and scuba diving trips to guests that have traveled from around the world. Many people travel to these places with amazing under water worlds and they come extremely uneducated about these beautiful masterpieces. Tourists will drop their anchors on top of corals and drive their boats over corals, causing severe damage that will take the coral years and years to replenish. There are always new ways to enhance the lives of the

One of the main ways that human’s impact coral reefs that could be avoid is coastal development that produces unsustainable tourism. Today, people are constantly looking for tropical places to vacation and adventure on these tropical islands. Since coral reefs can only be supported in tropical waters, they tend to be located by nice beaches on popular islands. The Caribbean is one of the best examples of this. Countries such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are generally poor countries with little development. Over the past years, these islands with tropical waters and coral reefs have began to build more and more resorts

Marhaver opened her talk by speaking about the jobs that coral reefs do for other species: providing protection, and nutrition. They are farmers, chemists developing medical technology, and even founders of tourism activities like snorkeling. Nevertheless, we are rapidly destroying the reefs, by taking fish from the oceans, crushing them with our boats, and adding unnecessary means such as fertilizers and pollution. Marhaver then continues to describe an experience she had while getting her PhD in Curaçao. When after a tropical storm passed, in town, on the more populated side of the island where many corals were already broken, damaged insued. While on the other side of the island where the corals were thriving and healthy there was no change. Marhaver remarks that one coral, “ this storm took off half of its tissue, it became infested with algae”. This caused

Australia has a rich hold in the world’s environment due to its diverse ecosystems and one of its biggest holds is through the Great Barrier Reef. The coral reefs here have a significant role by protecting shores from waves and storms, provide food and medicine, and help the economy though tourism. The reef is known for its great beauty and sustainability of life, but in recent years that opinion may change. Many environmental factors are causing great distress on the reef and its marine life, which then causes disruptions to not only the reef, but also the rest of the world’s environment. Three of the reef’s major problems are pollution, coral bleaching, and overfishing; these problems alone are doing enough damage to severely impair the function

In addition, the research article illustrates how bleaching of the coral reefs is a global issue with findings that imply that all regions in which coral reefs are located are equally affected with the decline of the coral reef in one given area. Likewise, findings in the research article show that coral reef decline is not limited to regional stressors, but also human impacts such as sedimentation as a result of urban development. The main issue discussed in the article is emphasized in the research article, suggesting the urgent need to implement policies to conserve coral reefs. Both articles touch upon the fact that coral reefs can grow back, however in the research articles one finding implies how coral reefs take a noteworthy amount of time to grow and gain its normal composition. Ultimately, the research article does not contradict the news article, but instead compliments the news article and reaffirms the growing issue of coral reef decline as a result of climate events and human

As discussed before, humans play a, sometimes, dangerous role in the well-being of the coral reef. Since the coral reef, specifically the Great Barrier Reef, has become such a major tourist destination, it has lead to the issues of pollution, stealing of species, and the use of boats and other forms of water transportation that damage the coral reef

Crikey! What an amazing sight! Known as one of the world’s natural seven wonders “lives” the Great Barrier Reef. Extending like a pulled piece of taffy along the Eastern coastline of Australia, this reef, discerned as the largest biotic structure on the planet. In short, the Great Barrier Reef’s biodiversity has supported thousands of habitats and species, while exuding beauteousness unfathomable by most, bringing millions of tourists annually. Unfortunately, among all of this wonderment lurks destruction and demise by, not only the hands of humans, but pollution, industry, climate change and the ever-mighty grasp of Mother Nature.

The Great Barrier Reef is occupied by the worlds most diverse species of animals. It is a major tourist attraction, with economical benefits and an ecosystem so serine with great tranquility and current. However, is it really that great? Well, it used to be. The Great Barrier Reef is being harshly affected by climate change and the industrialisation of the fossil fuel industries, which are its biggest threats. The corals that occupy marine life are being bleached and ripped away. The reef is dying at a rapid pace, quicker than any body would expect. It is seen to the majority of the world as an “out of site out of mind issue”, however, it really is the elephant in the room.

Although it may not be apparent to many, coral reefs are an immense necessity to ecosystems across the globe. They act as a major source of nitrogen and other critical nutrients for the hundreds of marine food chains that live close to or in these ecosystems. Coral is proves to be a major factor is recycling these nutrients. On top of this, coral reefs are a major component when it comes looking at its assistance in carbon and nitrogen fixing (an essential process due to the rise is global warming and pollution). Coral reefs absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels (GCCM). Aside from the ecological benefits, there are many benefits humans gain from healthy coral reefs. Coral reefs are an enormous help when it come to hurricanes. These reefs act as a natural barrier against storm surges. The natural barriers provide protection to coastlines from damage in which intense waves and tropical storms can bring. Reefs bring in billions of dollars to not only the United States, but hundreds of countries around the globe, as well as millions of employment opportunities. Reefs can help humans in the medical field as well. In these reefs lie the potential to implement biotechnologies and develop treatments for many illnesses, both acute and fatal alike. Coral reefs most crucial impact on this earth is one that cannot be disregarded. While coral reefs merely cover a fraction of a percent of the oceanic floor, these reefs produce what is estimated

These environments are at extreme risk however, as anthropogenic factors such as invasive species, runoff, overfishing, and global climate change harm them immensely. Although the true impact of the initiatives taken to solve these problems is largely untested due to how young they are, it seems clear that in order to promote the resilience of coral reefs and prevent the potential collapse of the Bahamas, all three techniques must be combined in a fashion that will maximise the possibility for sustainable reef ecosystems. By combining education and governmental policy, while supplementing those large scale changes with direct influence on reef health in order for it to survive, lasting resilience is a real

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef has for years draw both scientists and tourists to its dynamic beauty. The Great Barrier Reef has a long history that has developed vast ecosystems and is home to thousands of marine life, such as corals, mollusks, turtles, and even sharks. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of thousands of reefs, connecting over 1,400 miles (“Facts”) of the Earth together. However, as a naturally occurring landmark, the reefs are vulnerable to environmental threats and require management for preservation.

Tourism has a large impact on the reef system at Lady Musgrave Island with the millions of people who have and will visit the island at one point in their life. These results did not give an accurate picture as there were many other parts of the reef that weren’t included in these results. Due to this, there could have been more coral impacts or more animals surrounding the reef in other areas that were not included in these results collected. Therefore, the reef ecosystem creates many positive effects for humans and animals alike. However, it can be ruined easily with a simple touch or by leaving waste behind that could damage the reef or hurt the animals living in that

Sadly, this gorgeous reef is slowly being destroyed by human faults (Hennessy). Such faults are carelessness like walking on the coral without a care, dropping anchors on the coral, dragging diving gear over them, breaking them and taking them home as souvenirs and knocking and grounding boats on them. Tourism has also created a negative impact; the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular attractions in the modern world. The reef is so fragile that by merely walking on a small part or driving a boat too close can destroy thousands of corals. Also things like pollution such as sewerage, oil spills, fertilizers and pesticides damage the reef, cause sevre damge to the reef as they spread though the water and kill off living organisms. These errors place Great Barrier Reef’s environment at a dangerous risk, affecting the overall species and beauty within it. With all of these specific conditions, we can clearly see that human actions can pose great threats to the coral reefs. Coral reefs live in very precise, fragile and balanced marine environments, therefore even the slightest change can have a huge impact on an entire coral ecosystem. These reefs are able to endure many natural stresses by adjusting, however the present human pressures are destroying the reefs such that they cannot recover.