[http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/05/great-barrier-reef/doubilet-photography]
In order to stem the decline of the Great Barrier Reef we must first limit the negative factors that we can immediately control. Though the reef is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ships are still allowed to pass through the reef. This has led the devastating spills in the past (the 2010 oil spill as an example) that pollute the waters and damage the fragile coral. Future collisions with the reef are still a very real possibility so circuitous routes are necessary to help improve the Reef's prospects.
Commercial, recreational, and sustenance farming all occur on the reef, and all of which must be cut down to sustain the health of the reef and its biodiversity. This fishing is what has allowed fauna that prey on coral polyps to thrive in the absence like the crown-of-thorns starfish. Australia has already sectioned off a third of the reef as a no fishing zone, and since then the coral trout population has bounced back and scientists believe these zones may stem the outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. That is not to say that recreation and tourism should be discouraged outright, as the industry brings in revenue used to research the reef and promotes awareness of the Reef's importance. That being said, construction of hotels to accomodate tourism is harmful to the reefs, so the construction of new hotels must be kept to a minimum.
Finally, by curbing use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer, runoff into the Coral Sea will be less severe, reducing the amount of coral bleaching taking place.
Finally, by curbing use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer, runoff into the Coral Sea will be less severe, reducing the amount of coral bleaching taking place.
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