Great Barrier Reef Research Paper

Shipping accidents: Being such a popular destination for cruises and other sightseeing vessels to pass through, the Great Barrier Reef sees a huge amount of ocean traffic pass through its waters every day of the year. Even though the numbers of shipping accidents have decreased in recent history when compared to the past, the amount of debris and foreign objects that has been left in the water have a drastic effect on the surrounding eco system. The debris and waste would remain in the Reef for a long period of time. A boat does not have to go to the extreme of becoming wrecked to have an effect on the Great Barrier Reef, however, as larger vessels passing through the oceans of the reef can release a substance called Tributyltin (TBT) which is
used
As a result, some of the damaged areas have become uninhabitable for marine life and there are estimates that the reef may take up to 10 to 20 years to recover from the incident.
Agencies increased the maximum allowable fine for shipping companies that damage the
Great Barrier Reef in response to the incident. To date, 283 total oil spills have occurred over the waters of the Great Barrier Reef since 1987.
Over-fishing: The fishing industry brings an annual profit over $1 billion to Australia. The
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has now banned the majority of fishing areas in the Reef. Fishing is not only for commercial purposes but also for leisure/sport fishing.
Although some areas of the reef allow for tourist to fish for sport, many of the protected species such as prawns and molluscs are getting caught in the nets. The nets