Is Enough Being Done To Protect The Great Barrier Reef?


The Great Barrier Reef (which has held World Heritage status since 1981) - one of the world’s natural wonders - is among Australia’s most beloved tourist landmarks. A report from Unesco, the UN’s scientific and cultural body had said that not enough was being done to protect the reef from climate change or to meet water quality targets. But Unesco’s World Heritage Committee has decided to give Australia more time after recent mass bleachings of coral and other other problems accelerating its deterioration. What do you think LiveTribers? Is enough being done to protect the Great Barrier Reef?

Posted by on 05 Aug 2021

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  • [0] [2]
    Pamela

    No. We're not doing enough to protect the reef. The causes of the degradation are multi-factorial and very few people seem to want to address the elephant in the room. Sunscreen... For years we've been educated to slip-slop-slap to prevent skin cancer. But this has come at the cost of the reef. We need to prioritise further research and funding into reef-safe sunscreens - but it's a super-hard message to sell... Hawaii passed a groundbreaking law that banned the sale of any over-the-counter sunscreen containing either oxybenzone or octinoxate. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/SB2571_.HTM Australia needs to follow suit and as individuals we can make a difference. As Coaster said: From little things big things can happen...

    Posted by Pamela on 10 Aug 2021
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  • [2] [1]
    Gaurabani

    There have been some positive achievements in reducing water pollution levels. But the slow progress in meeting many of the water quality targets is documented clearly in the 2017–2018 and 2019 reef Water Quality Report Cards. UNESCO cites Australia’s poor progress on reducing emissions as an additional area requiring considerable improvement, to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and Australia’s responsibilities under the World Heritage Convention.

    Posted by Gaurabani on 09 Aug 2021
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  • [1] [2]
    LeafyGreen

    Not enough and not fast enough.

    Posted by LeafyGreen on 09 Aug 2021
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  • [2] [0]
    mact

    Coaster makes valid points and corals do recover over time. Farmers in QLD are acting to reduce phosphate run off a very major contributor to reef degredation. Control of the destructive crown of thorns starfish is also critical in decreasing coral polyp loss. The overall acidification of the sea is a problem for polluters like China, USA India and Africa none of whom have achiieved meaningful reductions in pollution levels.

    Posted by mact on 07 Aug 2021
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  • [2] [0]
    coaster

    There is one family who go diving often and kill the Crown of Thorns on one reef and it is making a difference. Perhaps they need help from other divers to do a concerted effort involving 100's of divers volunteering. I suppose though it would be a logistical nightmare but surely some more still could help even on the one reef they are working on. From little things big things can happen. With the Crown of Thorns control, the propagation of stronger reefs they are now doing and a few other incentives who knows what can be achieved in the very near future. I wish politicians would keep out of it and just let the marine biologists etc. do their job but with the financial help from the government of others.

    Posted by coaster on 07 Aug 2021
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  • [2] [1]
    coaster

    I hope so. They are propagating corals to replace those lost with stronger varieties which will cope. Over the years run offs from farms etc. has caused problems but now the bleaching is also a big concern although how big I am not sure. All the tourist operators who make money out of taking people to the reef either by boat, ship, diving, snorkelling, hotels, whatever should put 10-20% of their net profit into helping in this endeavour to save our reef. I am sure there are some that do but I think it has to be everyone plus the government both state and federal adding to the coffers to help regenerate it. What a disaster it would be if nothing much is done and in 20 or so years it becomes irreversible. I think the wait and see plan is long dead. Now is time for action of the highest order and help for the few who are doing their very best is needed.

    Posted by coaster on 05 Aug 2021
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  • [2] [2]
    ere

    Plenty is being done to save the reef not taking into account millions of dollars that have been misspent on who knows what. Programs recently on TV have shown large areas of the reef are regrowing and are better than before, something the tree huggers seem to ignore. IMO we should tell Unesco’s World Heritage Committee to bugger off and mind their own business. The reef is Australian and it's doing very well thank you.

    Posted by ere on 07 Aug 2021
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