Great Barrier Reef
Where is the GBR?
Tourism at the reef
Effects on tourism
Facts
The Great Eight Fish
Maori Wrasse
Potato Cod
Manta Ray
Shark
Clownfish
Giant Clam
Whale
Turtle
: 
On the north-eastern coast of Australia, 3000 km long and of widths up to 65 km
Over 400 different types of coral
Up to 1500 fish species
One of the seven natural wonders of the world
Only living thing on earth visible from space
Over 2.4 million visitors annually
Generates $5.2 billion annually for the local economy
Over 64,000 employed in the tourism sector
Bleaching
Localised
Global
Tourism leads to pollution, physical debris, reef waling and simple pollution from runoff of sweat and suntan lotion
Global warming is leading to a rise in sea temperatures which causes bleaching
What is being done to help?
My Own opinion
Other evidence
Reefs are becoming bleached
But scenery is still stunning
However, likely tourists will eventually go elsewhere
Reef 2050 plan
Reef trust and other plans
$200 million invested annually to protect the gbr
Input from scientists and traditional owners amongst others
Focuses on water quality, biodiversity and heritage
Revised every 5 years
Coral coverage is decreasing
Tourism numbers have not suffered
The GBR could be dead within 20 years
The worldwide tourism pattern could change