the effects of climate change on the
great barrier reef

Sunlover vessel and pontoon at Moore Reef

In recent years there has been overwhelming scientific and political consensus that climate change has resulted from human activity. It is climate change that is the greatest threats to all reefs world wide. Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity are considered by many to be the major contributing factor in climate change. These effects include:

  • Rising Frequency of warmer water.
  • Rising Sea level.
  • Increases in El Nino events
  • Changes in rainfall pattern
  • Changing ocean circulation / currents.

These climate changes are predicted to have serious effects on the Great Barrier Reef over the next 50 years. These types of climate changes will impact on the whole reef ecosystem. To date much of the scientific research that has been conducted has been centred on studies on corals and the effects of Coral Bleaching.

Research indicates that the rising frequency of warmer water is directly related to corals dying off. It is this cause and effect analogy that scientists refer to as coral bleaching. Additionally the frequency of warmer sea temperatures has increased disease cases among the many varieties of corals.

Corals can take as long as 3-4 years to recover after experiencing warmer summer (31 degrees) sea temperatures and when combined with continued higher seasonal temperatures, coral recovery can take many years. As coral bleaching has a direct impact on coral growth, studies also indicate that with the decline in coral growth comes the decline in the abundance of marine fish life. An ideal sea temperature for coral and marine life to thrive is considered by many to be 26 degrees.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is presently trailing a shading technique to reduce reef exposure to the hot summer sun. Shallow reefs are more vulnerable to warmer sea temperatures and when coupled with low tides these reefs are exposed to very high temperatures. The shading technique is an attempt to cover these reefs and reduce the water temperature around the shallow part of the reef. Scientific research is presently still being conducted to determine the shading techniques success.

Sunlover Reef Cruises conducts its own coral monitoring program to measure our outer Great Barrier Reef destination at Moore Reef. From our ongoing program of measuring the growth, diversity and overall health of corals, we are able to provide valuable data for Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) to gauge the effects of climate change on this delicate ecosystem. Information supplied by Sunlover Reef Cruises and other tourism operators within the marine park, assists GBRMPA in maintaining an eye on this most fragile natural wonder of the world.