The Great Barrier Reef
Scientists consider the Great Barrier Reef
(GBR) to be one of the most ecologically
important and diverse ecosystems on earth. The thousands
of plants and animals living on the reef do not exist in
isolation; they interact with each other. This makes the reef
one of the world’s most complex food webs. A change in
any part of the food web will ultimately affect all other parts
of the ecosystem.
The reef features at least 360 species of hard coral,
including 10 that are found nowhere else on earth. It is also
home to 1/3 of the world’s soft coral species. In addition
the reef supports:
• 4000 species of mollusks
• 1500 species of fish
• 215 bird species
• 30 species of marine mammals, including whales,
dolphins and dugongs
• 15 species of sea snakes
• 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is NOT a national
park. It is a multiple – use protected area where a range
of human activities are allowed and managed so that they
can be sustained without damage to the environment.
The authority can approve or reject proposals for developments within the park. Its
zoning powers can override almost all conflicting state and federal laws. Despite this,
the authority relies heavily on the government and the general public being
committed to the sustainable development of natural resources.
You will have two lessons to conduct the
following guided research task.
There
are 4 sections for you to research, and
at the end of the task you will be well
informed on one of the World’s most
valuable
ecosystems
and
one
of
Australia’s premier tourist attraction.
To start your Research Task
1. Why is the Great Barrier Reef such an important part of the
physical environment?
2. Outline the task of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
3. Go online to discover a list of activities that are banned in the GBR Marine Park.
4. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is divided into a number of zones that outline
the activities, which are permitted in different sections of the park; go online to
discover the purpose of these zones.
5. The diagram below illustrates the threats to the environment that the authority
must constantly manage in order to ensure the Coral Reef’s sustainability. Which
of these threats do you believe poses the greatest detrimental impact to the Great
Barrier Reef? Explain your response.
Managing the Great Barrier Reef
Access the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s website and complete the
following tasks.
 Access the Critical Issues: Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage
section of the site and complete the following tasks: Outline the natural and cultural values for which the Great Barrier Reef is
famous.
 Outline the authority’s responsibility under the World Heritage Convention.
 What do the terms ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ and ‘vulnerable’
mean in relation to threatened species?
 How many species are threatened on the Great Barrier Reef? Name three of
these species.
 Select ONE of these threatened species and utilize the software ‘Pages’ to
prepare a poster that will educate tourists at the Park of it’s risky future. The
poster should include:• Name of the endangered species
• Habitat of the species
• Human activities that pose a threat to the species
• Actions we can take to protect the species.
• Use images and short, pointed sentances to communicate effectively
with the tourists.
Stakeholder conflict
Stakeholders are those individuals and groups of people who have an
interest in a situation or issue. There are many different groups of people that are
interested in the use of and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Tourists, tourist
operators, fishermen and boat operators are the obvious stakeholders to the Great
Barrier Reef. However, there are many more interested parties. The government of
Australia has a responsibility to manage the reef ecosystem effectively, the World
Heritage Organisation has determined the reef to be of global importance, and over
40 000 years ago the aboriginal people began a spiritual and cultural connection with
the region. The underlying reason for the management and sustainability of the Coral
Reef ecosystem is to ensure their continued survival for the future generations. With
so many stakeholders that are interested in the management of the Great Barrier Reef,
there is bound to be conflict.
 Divide the statements displayed in the diagram above, into those that are pro-
conservation, those that are pro-development and those that seek a balance
between the conflicting demands placed on the resources of the reef ecosystem.
Pro-conservation
Pro-development
Balance
In Conclusion
The partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the
various communities and interest groups of coastal Queensland is an excellent
example of what can be achieved when governments and local communities work
cooperatively to promote sustainable development. But more help is needed, and it is
up to the geographers of the world to inspire others.
 Consider that you have just been appointed as Head of the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority. Of all the various stakeholders in the Great Barrier Reef,
to whom do you feel you owe the greatest duty? Why?
 In your newly appointed position as head of the GBRMPA write a letter to the
editor of the Sydney Morning Herald imploring the Australian public to help
protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. In your letter you should
address the following:• Why the Reef is so special.
• Why the Reef needs protection.
• How every Australian can assist in saving the Reef.
• Provide an emotional appeal on behalf of some of the threatened animals.
• And include your favourite snapshot of the Great Barrier Reef.
Klemman et al (2010) Global Explorations Stage 4. Heinemann: Melbourne. p242-245