Impact of Human Activities on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder, has significantly suffered from human impact since 1987. The reef has lost half of its coral cover due to factors like bleaching, crown of thorns starfish outbreaks, and storm damage. Despite these challenges, 47% of the coral cover remains healthy, emphasizing the importance of reef-friendly practices. This lesson explores the various impacts on the reef and encourages sustainable living to protect this fragile ecosystem.
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Coral Oceans at home Science | Ages 11-14 Lesson 7 What is the effect of human impact on the reef?
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? Learning objectives 1. Describe the damage to the Great Barrier Reef since 1987 and share reactions to it 2. Investigate the range of impacts on the coral reef 3. Debate the future of coral 4. Identify and communicate examples of reef friendly living
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? Between 1985 and 2012 the Great Barrier Reef lost half its coral cover* 5% lost due to bleaching 22.3% lost due to crown of thorns starfish 25.4% lost due to storm damage 47% of coral coverage remaining *Australian Institute of Marine Science study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? 47% of the coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef is still healthy and able to support a wide range of life.
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? 25.4% of the Great Barrier Reef was lost due to storm damage such as cyclone Yasi in the summer of 2010-2011.
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? 22.3% of the Great Barrier Reef was lost due to outbreaks of the crown of thorns starfish. This has been attributed to increased fertiliser use by farms near the coast.
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? 5% of the Great Barrier Reed was lost due to bleaching. This is when there is a breakdown in the relationship between the coral and the zooxanthellae caused by warming oceans.
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? Conclusion of the expedition V I E W V I D E O V I E W V I D E O
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? There are a range of activities to learn about threats to the coral reef Fertiliser and Starfish Water Quality Ocean Acidification Cloudy waters Threats to the coral reef High CO2 Oceans Over- fishing Dissolving coral Storm damage Physical Damage
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? Coral may be in terminal decline by 2048 How do you feel that future generations may never see a healthy coral reef in the wild?
Lesson 7: What is the effect of human impact on the reef? Image credits Slide Title Attribution 5 Storm damage By AIMS Long-term Monitoring Team 7 Bleached reef By Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority All other images are courtesy of Catlin Seaview Survey/Digital Explorer/Encounter Edu
