Ocean acidification caused by carbon emissions is a significant threat to coral reefs, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The process sees rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere react to create carbonic acid in seawater, lowering its pH, which can weaken or dissolve structures like coral. Australia is tackling the issue via a range of measures, including reducing emissions, limiting land-based pollution through measures such as water-quality monitoring, restoring damaged reefs and conducting research into acidification’s impacts. The Great Barrier Reef supports numerous species, including 1.5k kinds of fish and 411 types of hard corals, and contributes billions to Australia’s economy.
Protecting Australia’s Coral Reefs from Ocean Acidification
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Home to thousands of marine species, it serves as a vital resource for the tourism, fishing and recreation industries, as well as supporting the livelihoods of thousands of coastal communities. However, the health and survival of this global treasure is under threat from a wide range of environmental pressures, including climate change, pollution and overfishing.
One of the most significant threats to coral reefs worldwide is ocean acidification. This is a process whereby increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolve in seawater and react to form carbonic acid. As a result, the pH of the seawater drops, making it more acidic. This can have significant impacts on marine organisms, particularly those, such as corals, that build their skeletons or shells from calcium carbonate.
Under acidic conditions, corals and other calcium carbonate structures can dissolve or become weakened, making them more prone to damage from storms, disease and other environmental pressures. This can result in reduced coral growth, loss of habitat for other species, and ultimately, the collapse of entire reef ecosystems.
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef spans over 2,300 km and is home to around 1,500 species of fish, 411 species of hard corals, and numerous other organisms. It is also an important contributor to the Australian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue from tourism and other activities. However, the reef is facing multiple threats, including the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification.
To protect the Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs around Australia, scientists and policymakers are working together to take action on multiple fronts. Here are a few of the ways to protect Australia’s coral reefs from ocean acidification-
1. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions
The most effective way to address ocean acidification is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Australia has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030. This will require significant investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low-carbon technologies.
2. Protecting the Great Barrier Reef from land-based pollution
A major contributor to the decline of coral reefs worldwide is land-based pollution, from agricultural runoff to urban sewage. Australia has implemented a range of measures to address this, including investing in water quality monitoring, improving farming practices and investing in wastewater treatment.
3. Coral reef restoration
Another key strategy for preserving coral reefs is to actively restore damaged or degraded reefs. This can involve planting new coral fragments, creating artificial structures such as reefs, and using other techniques to promote coral growth.
4. Research and monitoring
To better understand the impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs, scientists are conducting research into the underlying processes and monitoring coral reef ecosystems for signs of stress and decline. This can help inform policy decisions and interventions.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification is a process whereby increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolve in seawater and react to form carbonic acid. As a result, the pH of the seawater drops, making it more acidic.
2. What are the impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs?
Under acidic conditions, corals and other calcium carbonate structures can dissolve or become weakened, making them more prone to damage from storms, disease and other environmental pressures. This can result in reduced coral growth, loss of habitat for other species, and ultimately, the collapse of entire reef ecosystems.
3. What is being done to protect Australia’s coral reefs?
Australia is taking multiple steps to protect its coral reefs from ocean acidification, including reducing carbon dioxide emissions, protecting the Great Barrier Reef from land-based pollution, coral reef restoration, and research and monitoring.
4. Can coral reefs recover from damage?
In some cases, coral reefs can recover from damage, particularly if interventions are put in place to promote coral growth and protect the reef from further damage. However, in other cases, the damage may be irreparable, leading to the collapse of the reef ecosystem.
