ARE there any Protected areas for that ecosystem?
The following images are species that are found in the Coral Triangle. These unique and intriguing creatures remind us why we need to protect and conserve our coral reef systems.
Not only is the Great Barrier Reef the world’s largest coral reef system, it is also the world’s largest protected reef system. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible of protecting the Reef. According to its 2009 Outlook Report (published every 5 years), the main impacts on the reef are from climate change, the drop in water quality from run-off, fishing and the loss of coastal habitats from coastal development. (1)
Since the Marine Park is multiple-use, which means it supports various industries and communities such as fishing, shipping and tourism, it is covered by a Zoning Plan. This plan indicates where certain activities are permitted and where they are banned. For instance, 33% of the park is under marine national park status, so fishing and collecting are not allowed. (2)
In addition to the Zoning Plan, there are special Plans of Management in high-use areas. Also, there are Special Management Areas to protect specific traits to regions. To illustrate, there are areas known as Dugong Protection Areas.
There are also other activities to protect the Great Barrier Reef even more. An example is the collaboration with State Government agencies to implement the Reef Water Quality Plan, or pairing up with the Queensland Deparment of Primary Industries and Fisheries to develop plans to manage fisheries better. (5)
Since the Marine Park is multiple-use, which means it supports various industries and communities such as fishing, shipping and tourism, it is covered by a Zoning Plan. This plan indicates where certain activities are permitted and where they are banned. For instance, 33% of the park is under marine national park status, so fishing and collecting are not allowed. (2)
In addition to the Zoning Plan, there are special Plans of Management in high-use areas. Also, there are Special Management Areas to protect specific traits to regions. To illustrate, there are areas known as Dugong Protection Areas.
There are also other activities to protect the Great Barrier Reef even more. An example is the collaboration with State Government agencies to implement the Reef Water Quality Plan, or pairing up with the Queensland Deparment of Primary Industries and Fisheries to develop plans to manage fisheries better. (5)
MAP OF PROTECTED WATERS
1.2 million square miles of the ocean (which is 1/3 of Australia's territorial waters) are protected. (3)
These waters support:
These waters support:
- "1625 species of fish, including 1400 coral reef species
- More than 3000 species of molluscs (shells)
- 630 species of echinoderm (starfish, sea urchins)
- 14 breeding species of sea snakes
- 215 species of birds including 22 species of seabirds and 32 species of shorebirds
- Six of the world's seven species of marine turtle
- 30 species of whales and dolphins
- One of the world's most important dugong populations
- 133 species of sharks and rays" (4)
STATUS: relatively good
The Great Barrier Reef is in good condition compared to other coral reef systems around the world. But it does face many threats despite the increase of total percentage of highly protected areas in 2004 from 4.6% to 33.3% of the Park. (5) This is due to the pressures pushing the Great Barrier Reef which include deteriorating water quality, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish, and coral bleaching to name a few.
Sources:
(1) Abitbol, Chantal. "Will the Great Barrier Reef Die by 2050?" CNN Travel. CNN, 26 Sept. 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://travel.cnn.com/sydney/visit/will-great-barrier-reef-die-2050-192647>.
(2) "How the Reef Is Managed." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef/how-the-reefs-managed>.
(3) McGuirk, Rod. "Australia Creates World's Largest Marine Reserve Network." NBC News. NBC News, 14 June 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/47812743/>.
Taken directly from: (4) "Animals." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef/animals>.
(5) Australia. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, Feb. 2006. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3974/SORR_Overview.pdf>.
Slideshow photos from: http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2020841,00.html
(1) Abitbol, Chantal. "Will the Great Barrier Reef Die by 2050?" CNN Travel. CNN, 26 Sept. 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://travel.cnn.com/sydney/visit/will-great-barrier-reef-die-2050-192647>.
(2) "How the Reef Is Managed." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef/how-the-reefs-managed>.
(3) McGuirk, Rod. "Australia Creates World's Largest Marine Reserve Network." NBC News. NBC News, 14 June 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/47812743/>.
Taken directly from: (4) "Animals." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef/animals>.
(5) Australia. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Australian Government, Feb. 2006. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3974/SORR_Overview.pdf>.
Slideshow photos from: http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2020841,00.html
Written by Jessie Chen