4 Ways You Can Protect the Great Barrier Reef
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 08/22/2019
Reading time: 3 mins
Every little bit can help to protect the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth, spanning across Queensland coast in Australia. Thousands of people travel here to witness this World Heritage site and experience its beauty. Unfortunately, the reef is slowly being damaged by numerous threats, including climate change.
With the Australian and Queensland governments taking action to protect the reef, here are some ways you can help.
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1. Eco-Friendly Operators
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When you decide to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the next question you should ask yourself is: who will you travel with? There are plenty of tour operators to choose from, however, you should opt for ones that are eco-friendly and understand the impact of tours.
Look for tours that include talks with marine biologists, so that while you enjoy the beauty of the reef, you can learn why it needs protection. Seek out companies that offset their carbon emissions or donate to conservation projects and charities.
While most Great Barrier Reef tours are eco-friendly, it’s important for travellers to be aware of how they can protect the reef while swimming. Ensure you avoid touching the coral and the marine life, as this can harm the reef. -
2. Limit your plastic
One of the most helpful ways you can protect the Great Barrier Reef and marine life is by reducing your use of plastic. It’s estimated that around 8 million pieces of plastic end up in the oceans every day worldwide, leading to unnecessary deaths of marine life.
These deaths can be prevented by taking proactive steps to reduce plastic usage. This can include using reusable bags, buying in bulk, shopping at farmers’ markets, and choosing sustainably sourced seafood. These small changes can have a significant impact.
When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, make a conscious effort to collect any rubbish you generate and dispose of it properly.
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3. Donate and Support Organisations
There are numerous organisations, foundations, and charities focused on protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Donating to these organisations helps fund initiatives to protect the coral and marine life.
One organisation is the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which brings together experts from various fields to develop protection strategies. They also fund projects to rehabilitate damaged areas and prevent further destruction.
You can take action by joining initiatives like Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, an online program where you can track actions such as avoiding plastic straws, sponsoring divers, or using reusable bags. The program provides real-time benefits to the Great Barrier Reef.
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4. Etiquette on the Great Barrier Reef
To keep the reef in a healthy state, you can follow these proactive measures. You can wear a stinger suit to protect yourself from jellyfish stings and the harsh rays of the sun. You will also want to use reef-safe sunscreen, as regular sunscreen can damage the coral life due to the chemicals.
When swimming, avoid getting too close to coral and refrain from touch it. This is because some active corals can be much sharper than they appear. Additionally, leave everything you find on the reef undisturbed. You can buy some souvenirs in shops or take plenty of photos to remind you of your time at the Great Barrier Reef.
If you’re ready to explore all that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, book a tour for snorkelling, diving, and swimming! You’ll have the opportunity to witness unique marine life and vibrant coral firsthand.
Related article: The Marine Biology of the Great Barrier Reef
