Coastcare Issues
Reef
Did you know that…
- The Great Barrier reef is the worlds largest living organism, home to 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of coral.
- The temperate southern reefs support a greater diversity of algaes, seaweeds and invertebrate animals.
- Ningaloo Reef is the longest western fringing coral reef. The WA government is currently working on a nomination for a World Heritage Listing.
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef could lose 95 percent of its living coral by 2050 through bleaching should ocean temperatures increase by the 1.5 degrees.
- The Great Barrier reef is the worth an estimated AU$5.4 billion a year in tourism money and support 68,000 jobs.
Coral Reefs are one of the most complex of our ecosystems. Around Australia, coral reefs are facing increased pressures and many reefs are showing signs of significant degradation due to climate change, polllution and human impact. Monitoring the reefs and the creatures living there is a huge task due to the size and location of the reefs.
What can I do to help?
Coastcare groups monitor reefs which will enhance the long term management and biodiversity of the reefs. Volunteers also protect reefs from physical damage by constructing signage and moorings in areas under threat from anchoring practices.
When at the reef, listen carefully to the instructions given by the tour guides. Some corals die if they are touched or stepped on.
