Negative
Over-fishing, pollution and global warming are main factors that are tipping the equilibrium of the ecosystems within the coral reefs. Global warming that is caused by human activity has affected the reefs by creating warmer temperatures in the waters that will have negative effects on these highly productive ecosystems. Aggressive fishing has caused major disruptions to the food web and in turn will have a negative ripple effect. Overexploitation of marine life disrupts the entire stability of oceanic life because it depletes essential plant and animal life. Pollution poses another major threat to the health and stability of the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystem. Development and farming off of Australia’s coast has harmed the coral reef habitat with dangerous runoff and sedimentation that may eventually destruct the fragile coral reef.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RhX3lRJQMg&feature=related
Positive
There have been many efforts made in attempt to conserve the natural state of the Great Barrie Reef, especially in recent years. In 1975 the Government of Australia created the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and prohibited various activites that were harmful to the environment. A combination of zoning, management plans, permits, education and
incentives are emplemented in an effort to conserve the reef.
incentives are emplemented in an effort to conserve the reef.