Ecosystems - The Great Barrier Reef and The Sahel

The Great Barrier Reef

Facts

• The Great Barrier Reef can be found along the East coast of Australia.
• The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination with over two million visitors each year.
• It is the world’s largest reef system.
• More than 1,500 fish species live on the reef.
• 215 species of birds visit the reef or nest or roost on the islands.

Threats

• Warmer ocean temperatures put stress on coral and lead to coral bleaching.
• The Great Barrier Reef has experienced two mass coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2002. Bleaching was more severe in 2002, when aerial surveys showed that over 50% of reefs experienced some coral bleaching.
• Sediment, nutrient and agriculture pesticide pollution from river catchment run-off is also affecting the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Too much or poorly managed tourism could be a risk to the reef.
• Shipping accidents are a pressing concern, as several commercial shipping routes pass through the Great Barrier Reef.
• There are also high levels of fishing on the reef.

Management

• The North-East Shipping Management Plan sets out Australia’s intention to enhance ship safety and environmental protection
• No new port developments have been, or will be, approved outside existing long-established port areas
• $140 million in funding for the Reef Trust—including the additional $100 million for improved water quality
• The Coral Bleaching Response Plan has been updated annually since 2000, outlining a strategic approach for monitoring bleaching risk.
• Wetlands, which filter water from the land to the ocean, are now protected and programs aimed at restoring their functions to improve water quality entering the Reef are underway. 
• Coastal development is regulated by the Queensland Government, which oversees land use planning and assesses environmental impacts of developments. 
• Zoning makes sure tourists can only dive in certain places.

The Sahel

A semi arid region south of the Sahara desert.

Increased desertification due to:

• Overgrazing
• Over-cultivation
• Cash crops
• Deforestation
• Increased populations