Pollution
Pollution is the top major impact we have on the Great Barrier Reef and it isn't just damaging the reef but our environment as well. The rivers of north eastern Australia Rivers pollute the reef during flood events. 90% of the pollution come from farming run-offs. Nearly 80% of the land next to the Great Barrier Reef is used for farming including intensive cropping of sugar cane and beef cattle grazing. Farming damages the reef due to overgrazing, increased run-off of agricultural sediments, nutrients and chemicals including fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides causing major health threats for the coral and marine life in the Great Barrier Reef.
Dredging is also undertaken in coastal Reef waters so that large bulk carriers can access the ports. The seabed and rocks are dug up then dumped into the crystal clear waters of the Reef. Fine sediments are thrown up into the water drifting for kilometres, ruining the water quality and covering sea-grass beds and coral. We all need to cut down our pollution and not just for our sake but the Great Barrier as well.
Dredging is also undertaken in coastal Reef waters so that large bulk carriers can access the ports. The seabed and rocks are dug up then dumped into the crystal clear waters of the Reef. Fine sediments are thrown up into the water drifting for kilometres, ruining the water quality and covering sea-grass beds and coral. We all need to cut down our pollution and not just for our sake but the Great Barrier as well.