Great Barrier Redf Case Study

Question 1

What are the conditions required for the coral reefs to grow?

Answer 1

• Shallow areas with less than 60 m of depth.
• Warm water (18°C all year around).
• Clear water needed.
• Good oxygen supply.
• Salinity 30 to 38 ppt.

Question 2

Background info on the reef:

Answer 2

• It is located off the coast of Queensland, north-east Australia.
• Grows along 900 islands.
• The reef stretches 2600 km.
• Six species of turtles breed in the reef.
• There are more than 1500 species of living there.
• There are 134 species of sharks and rays.
• Home to the endangered potato cod fish and dugong.

Question 3

What are the impacts of climate change, pollution and fishing on the great barrier reef?

Answer 3

• Mass coral bleaching are expected to become annual, as the sea temperatures rise.
• This will affect the reef communities as corals won’t be able to keep up.
• 67% of corals died in the reef’s worst-hit northern section due to the pollution.
• Other threats include shipping accidents, oil spills and tropical cyclones.