Paradise Down Under

By Nadia Jafar

The great barrier reef is the largest natural reef in the world and home to hundreds of different animals and species. Extending 1,250 miles down the east coast of Australia, Great Barrier Reef is comprised of thousands of corals, which create vibrant scenery for tourists and researchers alike. It is there that scuba divers can see lion fish, unicorn fish, and parrot fish while also catching sight of Great White sharks and harmless white-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks. At dive sites, like The Snake Pit visitors can come face to face with sea snakes and even barracudas. Other sites offer opportunities to see sea turtles, giant clams, moray eels, and wobbegong sharks. While on a boat to these sites you may come across Minke whales or even Humpback whales. Though much of this beauty is protected, an increase in tourism is negatively affecting the reef.

Pollution is threatening the marine wildlife. Where once there was an abundance of fish, supplies are depleting as a result of an increase in fishing. And while a boost in tourism has promoted the scuba diving industry, the numerous divers pose a threat to the marine life. Divers can kick and kill the coral, frighten marine animals, disturb the natural behaviors of the wildlife, and remove objects from the reef. By kicking up sand with their fins, the animals have to work twice as hard to clean the sand off. There has also been a problem with people feeding the animals. This upsets the natural food chain.

The increased activity has caused great concern with the Australian government and conservationists. Many more areas of the reef are under protection, prohibiting fishing, polluting, and sometimes scuba diving. These efforts have made people more aware of the environmental issues impacting the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, money from tourism is helping to fund for research vessels to travel around the reef and study the marine life.

Hopefully with new environmental protection laws and increased awareness, visitors to the Great Barrier Reef will become more cautious and considerate of one of the world's greatest treasures.