Both Fernandes et al. and Arkema et al. saw balancing human use with human impact as central to protecting the GBR. The book chapters we read pointed out several instances where biodiversity was reduced in parts of the GBR independent from human impact. One example of this is the spread of the crown-of thorns starfish (pictured below), which kill coral, reducing the structural complexity of the habitat and in turn, the diversity of the ecosystem.
Should we try to eradicate this predator? Do we only protect human threats to biodiversity or do we also protect the ecosystem from itself?
Featured Image URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crown_of_Thorns-jonhanson.jpg
Post image URL: http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/bob-katter-calls-for-bounty-on-deadly-crown-of-thorns-starfish/story-e6frfq80-1226487155093