What is Zooxanthellae interdependence?
Most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae, that live in their tissues. The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship. The relationship between the algae and coral polyp facilitates a tight recycling of nutrients in nutrient-poor tropical waters.
How does Zooxanthellae adapt to its environment?
Some corals have adaptations to survive coral bleaching. That is, they have their own natural protection. They produce a kind of sunblock, called a fluorescent pigment. These pigments form a shield around the zooxanthellae and at high temperatures they protect them from the harmful effects of sunlight and UV rays.
What happens to corals and their zooxanthellae due to warming waters?
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead.
What is a direct cause of coral bleaching?
The leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change. A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature—as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit—can cause coral to drive out algae. Coral may bleach for other reasons, like extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.
What are the negative impacts of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef?
When tourists accidently touch, pollute or break off parts of the reef, corals experience stress. The coral organisms try to fight off the intrusion, but this process often leads to coral bleaching—when corals expel the brightly colored algae that live in them and become completely white.
Which country visits the Great Barrier Reef the most?
Australia
How much money do tourists spend at the Great Barrier Reef?
Key points: Deloitte Access Economics says GBR has calculated economic, social and iconic value of $56 billion. Tourism is the biggest contributor to the total asset value making up $29 billion. But tourist figures are down 50 per cent in the Whitsundays — operators say “this is as bad as it was during the GFC”
What is the eye on the reef?
The Eye on the Reef is a program throughout the Great Barrier Reef that enables the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to help further its conservation and protection through surveys and and monitoring done by everyday people including tourists and locals!
What is coral watch?
CoralWatch, based at The University of Queensland, Australia, is a well-established citizen science program founded in 2002. CoralWatch integrates global coral health monitoring with education and public outreach creating reef awareness using simple and engaging tools.
How many marine parks are there in Queensland?
three
Is Lady Musgrave Island a green zone?
Site zoning The waters north of Lady Musgrave Island, as well as the lagoon wall between the island and the lagoon entrance are a Marine National Park Zone (Green Zone), and the remaining waters are a Habitat Protection Zone (Dark Blue Zone) under both State and Commonwealth Zoning Plans.