Great Barrier Reef: Nature on an Epic Scale in Danger from Climate Change.

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia, is a World Heritage Site since 1981. No other World Heritage Site contains such biodiversity; it is an example of a rich, complex ecosystem, that has developed over thousands of years and since the end of the last Ice Age.  The GBR is the largest extension of coral reefs in the world, spreading over 1,200 miles of reefs and islands; equal to half the size of Texas. It is the largest living organism on earth and can be seen from outer space.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park includes 3000 coral reefs, 600 islands, 300 coral cays, and 150 inshore mangrove islands. 1625 types of tropical fish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, more than 30 species of whales and dolphins, barracuda, turtles, crocodiles, crustaceans, and 600 types of soft and hard corals. The rest of the Marine Park is a variety of marine habitats such as mangroves, seagrass and sponge gardens.

This incredible diversity supports tens of thousands of marine and terrestrial species which are of global conservation significance; a large number of these species are threatened due to climate change.  Many of the cays are important breeding grounds for marine turtles, seabirds, and winter migration of butterflies and whales. The hard and soft corals and thousands of species of fish, generate an infinite number of brilliant colors, shapes and sizes.

The traditional owners of the GBR are Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people who have been managing its resources for thousands of years.  Food from the sea is still a valuable part of their economy, culture and diet.  They believe that they are not above nature and are obligated to look after their country because of their spiritual connection with the land.  This means using marine and terrestrial resources in a sustainable way. They have managed this with their detailed knowledge of its ecosystem, natural history, migration patterns and seasons. Setting size limits on the fish they catch, seasonal hunting to make sure species can recover, placing low stress on the ecosystem by maintaining technology to low levels, are some of the ways they have helped to preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

The way of life and the knowledge of the Aboriginal people helps scientists in their research and protection of the GBR.

According to The Cousteau Society, and a report from the The United Nations Environmental Program, the GBR is in grave danger from the largest, longest lasting bleaching event in recorded history caused by climate change.  The increasingly warmer temperatures in the ocean’s surface have been due to a strong El Niño in 2016 and 2017, and has killed almost a quarter of Australia´s coral and transformed the ecosystem around it.  The U.N. report reveals that while surface to shallow coral reefs are the most threatened by extreme warm ocean temperatures, reefs in deeper environments may be able to resist the immediate impact of climate change, but they cannot be relied on to replenish and repopulate damaged sea banks.  Deeper coral ecosystems may only serve as a refuge for some species that are under threat in shallower reef ecosystems.

Naval Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a pioneer of ocean exploration and environmental protection, filmmaker, photographer, poet, researcher and scientist.  He is the world´s best known and beloved marine conservationist.  Through his films and adventures on his mobile laboratory ship the Calypso, he drew public awareness to the horrific consequences of humanity’s neglect and polluting of the world´s oceans. Cousteau was the father of recreational scuba diving and helped invent the ´Aqualung,´ the first self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, or S.C.U.B.A.

Cousteau said: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

Maybe this is how Cousteau felt when he first saw Heron Bommie, Heron Island, Australia, one of Cousteau´s favorite dive sites.  It is known as one of the most magical and greatest natural treasures on earth.

Sir David Attenborough called the Reef:

“the rainforest of the ocean,” and, “the most magical thing I ever saw on earth. “

Attenborough´s series ´The Great Barrier Reef,´ is as enlightening as it is entertaining, and this production has helped to inspire Australians and people around the world to demand politicians take action to protect this natural wonder.

Since Sir Attenborough’s first visit to the Reef sixty years ago, Heron Island is now under threat from climate change, poor water quality, coastal developments and illegal fishing.  The impact of climate change has been much more severe than predicted.  Between 1985 and 2012, the GBR has lost over 50% of its coral cover.

Scientists are not known for their political activism, but since the reefs are being rapidly damaged, they are calling for politicians to curb fossil fuel consumption and the shipping of fossil fuels across the GBR.  It is Australia’s responsibility to protect the Reef under the World Heritage Convention.

The U.S. is the world´s second largest carbon emitter, and we must commit to reducing emissions or otherwise have disastrous ramifications for other countries.  It is not too late to give the Reef a fighting chance!

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