The pictures below is of Porite corals, a species which is increasingly under environmental stress. A new report from the Scientific American states that the growth of Porite corals within the Great Barrier Reef has decreased by more than 13% within the past 20 years. Why? The largest and most likely culprit are Americans. We contribute to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere … [Read more...]
Ocean Acidification
Here are a few resources for understanding basic principles behind ocean acidification. Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution does a good job of explaining these basics and also discussing future projections and effects on organisms dependent upon calcium carbonate for shells/skeletons. On another page, WHOI shows what the composition of the different carbon species (dissolved … [Read more...]
The Great Barrier Reef – Protected?
Due to its status as a World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef has arguably been protected from serious environmental damage. In fact, the Australian government emphasizes that while one can enjoy the reef, they must do so in a "reef friendly" way, outlining what they describe as responsible reef practices. However, recently, authorities have approved dumping of … [Read more...]
The demise of species or the economy?
The increased export of coal from Queensland, Australia has overshadowed the need for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and its endangered species. "The rampant destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, given the green light last Friday by the federal government, epitomises the values of our modern world. "Economic development" and "jobs" reign supreme while our reef, one … [Read more...]
More Toxic Waste Released into the Great Barrier Reef
A pipeline belonging to The Queensland Nickel refinery has had a pipeline capable of direct dumping into the ocean since 1974. The pipeline fell into the territory of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the 2000s. The pipeline was allowed to stay on the grounds that it would cause too much environmental damage to remove. The plant has never received a permit to dispose of its … [Read more...]