Introduction
The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the world’s most aesthetically pleasing natural wonders. It is located just off the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, extending over 2,300 kilometers. For nearly 40,000 years, the Great Barrier Reef has so generously shared its existence, permitting an abundance of aquatic life to inhabit the reef’s intricate structure. Marine life, tourists, and residents of Australia have come to appreciate the reef’s vibrant colors and captivating appearance. (Lee Krystek-Seven Natural Wonders: The Great Barrier Reef)
What Are Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are living organisms. They are formed from free-floating coral larvae that grip on to the submerged edge of an island. Typically, they grow in temperatures between 20-28°C. Most live for several decades or even centuries. (NOAA's CoRIS-What Are Coral Reefs; Lalli and Parsons, 1995; MarineBio Conservation Society-Coral Reefs)
Threat of Coral Reefs
Just like any other speci, coral reefs face many threats, some of which include: humans and climate change. These threats have jeopardized their longevity and limited their lifespan. (Seaworld Parks & Entertainment-Longevity and Causes of Death)
The Great Barrier Reef
In particular, the Great Barrier Reef is endanger of dying. This is due to coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is the loss of symbiotic algae, which live in the reef’s tissue. The deficiency of such organisms can cause the reef to lose its vibrant colors and be at risk of death. Bleaching can be induced by a variety of factors which generate climate change. Some of these factors include: pollution and immoderate stress. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce, What is Coral Bleaching?). Deborah Netburn writes in one of her most recent articles, No, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is not dead - but it is in trouble, “the Australian government released it's report card giving the state of the reef a D for the fifth year in a row”. The Great Barrier Reef may not be in the best condition of its years, however, it is not yet dead. Its beauty has undoubtedly begun to diminish but there is still time for our precious natural wonder to rehabilitate itself.References:
Lalli, C.M. and T.R. Parsons. 1995. Biological Oceanography: An Introduction. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. pp. 220-233.
Waddell, J.E. (ed.), 2005. The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 11. NOAA/NCCOS Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment’s Biogeography Team. Silver Spring, MD. 522 pp.
Netburn, Deborah. "'Staggering' Damage to Epic Reef." Stuff. N.p., 20 Oct. 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce. "What Is Coral Bleaching?" US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
"Coral Reefs - MarineBio.org". MarineBio Conservation Society. Web. Accessed 7:56 AM 10/21/2016.
NOAA's Coral Reef Information System (CoRIS). "What Are Coral Reefs." US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
Krystek, Lee. "Seven Natural Wonders: The Great Barrier Reef." Seven Natural Wonders: The Great Barrier Reef. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
