great barre reef Flashcards
What are the biotic effects of introduced species on the Great Barrier Reef?
Introduced species like Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) prey on coral, leading to habitat loss for reef species and disrupting the food web. Coral cover in some areas has declined by over 50%, with COTS responsible for 42% of the loss.
What are the abiotic effects of introduced species on the Great Barrier Reef?
Coral loss from COTS weakens reef structure, increasing erosion and reducing coastal protection. Nutrient pollution from agriculture worsens water quality, promoting conditions for COTS.
Why were Crown-of-Thorns Starfish introduced, and what areas are affected?
COTS naturally occur in the Indo-Pacific but human impacts (nutrient runoff) have caused population surges. Affected areas include the central and northern Great Barrier Reef, with coral cover decreasing by 50-80% in outbreaks.
How does human activity favor Crown-of-Thorns Starfish populations?
Nutrient runoff from farming (especially nitrogen from fertilizers) fuels plankton blooms, feeding COTS larvae. Coastal development and overfishing of COTS predators like Triton snails also contribute to outbreaks.
What are the control methods for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish?
COTS are controlled through manual removal by divers or by injecting them with chemicals like bile salts or vinegar. Managing nutrient runoff is another key strategy.
What are the economic impacts of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef?
COTS outbreaks threaten tourism and fisheries, which contribute $6.4 billion annually to the economy. Managing outbreaks costs millions each year, impacting economic resources.
What are the different views on the harm caused by Crown-of-Thorns Starfish?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples emphasize balance in marine ecosystems and advocate for natural solutions, like protecting predator species. Some industries may downplay COTS impacts to avoid regulations.
How does human activity disrupt ecosystems and favor introduced species?
Activities like agriculture, overfishing, and urban development increase nutrient pollution and weaken reef ecosystems, creating conditions that favor introduced species like COTS.
How do introduced species contribute to the decline of native species?
COTS reduce coral cover, causing habitat loss for reef-dependent species. This decline leads to reduced biodiversity and can threaten species like the endangered loggerhead turtle.
