impacts of tourism in the great barrier reef

Project News · 16 February 2022

Unlocking sustainable tourism

A challenge for our times.

The past couple of years have delivered a blow to the global travel and tourism industries unlike any in recent memory, impacting communities and livelihoods around the world. As some of our key coral reef sites experience a dramatic decline in visitor numbers, both challenges and opportunities are emerging. 

In November 2021, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation brought together our partners, leading experts and our teams from the Resilient Reefs pilot sites (Palau, New Caledonia, Belize and Ningaloo) to hold a Solution Exchange on Sustainable Tourism. Together, the participants explored how World Heritage Marine sites can make their local tourism industry more sustainable for both people and the environment and build resilience to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce pressure on natural resources in the face of climate change. 

The challenge

In COVID-free times, the travel and tourism sectors usually contribute around 10.4% to the global economy each year. Global coral reef tourism (pre-COVID) is a heavy hitting contributor to this, with an annual worth of $36 million. The industry can bring great economic benefits to the people who call World Heritage Marines sites home, but it can also prove unsustainable and put significant stress on local communities and the environment.  

The scale of the global coral reef tourism industry itself also presents challenges for the coral reef ecosystems and people that depend on them, with some communities being ill-equipped to cope with tourist volumes. The extent of the impact this has on local communities and the environment is influenced by factors such as the infrastructure and processes in place to support tourist numbers, the behaviour of the tourists themselves and the governance communities have in place to manage all of this. 

Tourists flock to coastal communities in COVID-free times. Credit: Michaela Hampi. (Top) Belize's tourism industry has suffered a downturn during COVID-19. Credit: Meritt Thomas

The current tourism hiatus provides us with an opportunity to look at ways to create more sustainable tourism practices to support the ongoing health and longevity of our reefs and the communities that depend on them.  

So how do we support local coral reef communities to survive and thrive when many of their livelihoods have been decimated? And how do we foster alternative income streams while also ensuring their resilience in the face of unknown future challenges?  

To begin to understand the path to sustainable tourism, the Solution Exchange focused on exploring tourism carrying capacity at sites, how to shift tourist behaviour to support local resilience goals and opportunities to diversity local livelihoods. 

Tourists take part in scuba training in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Credit: The Ocean Agency, XL Catlin Seaview Survey

We need to better identify and manage tourism carrying capacity at sites

One way we can aid sustainable tourism is to understand and monitor the carrying capacity of tourist destinations; the maximum number of tourists that can visit a location at the same time without destroying the ecological, social and economic environment.  

Impacts caused by exceeding carrying capacities at tourist destinations include: 

Ecological - damage to corals, coastal vegetation and dune systems by tourists; disturbance of wildlife

Social - reduced amenity and perceptions of overcrowding for locals or visitors; potential loss of core community values; loss of cultural values 

Economic - impacts (over the long term) on economic activity and tourism revenue from environmental degradation or overcrowding; over-utilisation of critical infrastructure and utilities  

What we learned in the Solution Exchange, is that “carrying capacities” are rarely defined and managed by local partners – they often come as an informal response to hotel or transport capacities being stretched to the limit. Coming together with key partners to identify carrying capacity proactively instead of reactively, seeking alignment on key values and gaining shared understanding of risks, are all essential steps to support sustainable tourism at coral reef sites.  

Two volunteers clean the beach in Indonesia. Credit: Ocean Cleanup Group

We need to shift tourist behaviour to better meet local resilience goals

The behaviour of tourists can have a negative impact on both coral reefs and communities. Impacts include physical damage to reefs and coral from boats, trampling and snorkelling, pollution from rubbish and human waste, wildlife disturbance where tourists aren’t maintaining a respectful distance and increased pressure from recreational fishing. 

During the Solution Exchange, we explored ways to persuade, motivate or enable tourists to change their behaviour and minimise negative impacts on reefs and local communities. Key approaches to changing behaviour include: 

Developing simple messaging that focuses on outcomes instead of complex science, such as Hawaii’s “Take what you need, not what you can” campaign 

Using local champions to get communities on board, such as a well-known person from the country or a local church leader

Using pledges to make the message mainstream, gain broad support and inspire action

Eco-volunteers in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Credit: Martin Colognoli, Ocean Image Bank.

We need to support opportunities for diversifying local livelihoods

The Solution Exchange explored ways to both improve access to tourism jobs for First Nations Peoples and communities, as well as opportunities to diversify local livelihoods so they are not solely reliant on reef assets. 

Key to diversifying livelihoods is creating opportunities that remove pressure on natural resources and instead develop new, sustainable income streams independent from reef ecosystems. An unexpected, positive outcome of COVID-19 for some tourist destinations was how it ignited local entrepreneurship. Although COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in Belize, the pause in tourism created a surge in local entrepreneurship, especially among local women who are now making Belize-based products and selling them online. 

While it is not always possible to completely move away from reef-based livelihoods, there are still opportunities to reduce pressure on reefs by developing low-impact, high-value tourist activities. Tourists could pay to take part in cultural experiences such as joining local community members for a home-cooked meal, for example. 

Where to from here?

At the core of the Resilient Reefs Initiative is a drive to design innovative responses to common resilience challenges and to share and scale what works with reef managers globally. Our Solution Exchanges are intended to do just that: help catalyse action on the ground across our network and facilitate knowledge exchange well beyond.  

This Solution Exchange raised the need to provide assistance to World Heritage Marine sites to develop integrated carrying capacity studies, as well as the potential to create sustainable tourism frameworks for reef sites – something that does not currently exist. Ningaloo has already begun scoping a local carrying capacity study and has connected with a range of global experts. 

The Exchange once again highlighted how common the challenges were across the sites and the opportunity we have for collective action, problem solving and messaging. Key findings from the Exchange are available to be shared with reef managers worldwide on the Reef Resilience Network website .  

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Climate change, tourism and the Great Barrier Reef: what we know

Lecturer in tourism planning and development, CQUniversity Australia

Disclosure statement

Allison Anderson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

CQUniversity Australia provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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The removal of an entire section on the Great Barrier Reef from an international report on World Heritage and climate change has been justified by the Australian government because of the impact on tourism.

The Guardian reported that all mention of Australia has been removed from the report released on Friday. An Environment Department spokesperson was quoted as saying that “recent experience in Australia had shown that negative commentary about the status of World Heritage properties impacted on tourism”.

Australia is the only populated continent that was not mentioned in the report, which was produced by UNESCO , UNEP , and the Union of Concerned Scientists . It comes in the wake of one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most significant coral bleaching events – one widely attributed to climate change .

What’s to hide?

In its purest sense, it could be argued that it is important for the world to know about the impacts climate change is having on some of its most famous natural wonders. This has the potential to precipitate national and global policy change that might ultimately help the reef.

It could also be argued that much of the damage to perceptions of people around the world has already been done. The final episode of David Attenborough’s documentary on the Great Barrier Reef – which discusses the widespread bleaching in detail – arguably has far more potential to influence would-be tourists contemplating a visit to the reef.

News coverage of the events has reached audiences as far afield as the United States and Britain . And a recent picture essay on The Conversation provides evidence of the bleaching, observing the phenomenon as “a huge blow to all Australians who cherish this natural wonder and to the tourists who flock here to see the reef”.

The impact on tourism

Given that the issues on the reef are well known and widely covered, would the UNESCO report really have had an impact?

The Cairns tourism industry is a vital export earner, not only for the region but for the nation. The region has more than 2.4 million visitors per year, contributing A$3.1 billion to the economy , with the Great Barrier Reef as its anchor attraction.

Adding complexity to the issue, there is debate locally as to how widespread the coral bleaching reported by scientists really is.

The tourism industry in Cairns has been quick to counter scientists’ claims with its own. Tour operator Quicksilver has responded with Reef Health Updates featuring a marine biologist who claims that as the water cools through winter, many of the coral are likely to regain their colour.

Tourists have also been interviewed for the campaign, emerging from the water amazed and astounded at the diversity of colour and marine life they have seen.

Regional tourism organisation Tourism Tropical North Queensland has also begun a campaign to showcase undamaged parts of the reef.

Tourism is a perception-based activity. Expectations of pristine waters and diverse marine life on a World Heritage-listed reef are what drives the Cairns and North Queensland tourism industry in Australia.

We know from past research that perceptions of damage to the natural environment from events such as cyclones do influence travel decisions, but we do not yet know how this translates to coral bleaching events.

Researchers in the region are working to collect data from tourists about how their pre-existing perceptions of coral cover and colour match their actual experiences.

This will provide evidence of the impacts of the bleaching event on the tourist experience and also shed light on what has shaped tourists’ perceptions prior to visiting. Currently, we only have anecdotal evidence from operators and the tourist interviews in the Quicksilver video on what these impacts really are.

What impact could this have on the reef?

From another perspective, tourism is particularly valuable to the reef because it is a relatively clean industry that relies on the preservation, rather than depletion, of the resource for its own survival.

The Great Barrier Reef is a resource of value to both tourism and other industries. In the past, the reef has narrowly escaped gas mining, oil spill disasters and overfishing, not to mention the ongoing impacts of land-based industries along the coast that drains to it.

It is important to remember that the original World Heritage listing was “ born out of a 12-year popular struggle to prevent the most wondrous coral reef in the world from being destroyed by uncontrolled mining ”. This raises questions about whether the comparative economic importance of mining and other industries could increase if tourism declines.

The message about the threats to the Great Barrier Reef is already in the public domain. Research is still being done on the true impact of the bleaching event and associated perceptions on the tourism industry, and the results are not yet conclusive.

Rather than bury information that many people globally already have access to, perhaps the Australian government could think more creatively about how it is addressing the issues and promoting this as a positive campaign for “one of the best managed marine areas in the world” .

• Great Barrier Reef
• Coral bleaching
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
• UNESCO World Heritage sites
• 2016 coral bleaching event

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The Future of the Great Barrier Reef series in partnership with

How climate change impacts the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry

Climate change is hitting the corals of the Great Barrier reef hard. But what about the people whose livelihoods depend on a healthy reef?

9 October 2020

Great Barrier Reef Mass Coral Bleaching event, Port Douglas, Queensland

Dean Miller / Greenpeace

This article was written and sponsored by Greenpeace Australia Pacific

The appeal of swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing in the Reef is dependent on healthy marine life and rich, multi-coloured corals. Climate change is posing a potentially catastrophic threat to not only the Reef but also its $6 billion tourism industry, and the 64,000 jobs that rely on a healthy reef.

Year after year, millions of tourists flock to Queensland’s coast to catch a glimpse of the stunning Great Barrier Reef. The largest living coral reef system in the world is a place of rich biodiversity and deep spiritual significance to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. Beneath the glassy turquoise-waters, thousands of marine species live in perfect symbiosis; creating a colourful underwater city that teems with life.

In the past five years, we’ve witnessed three major mass-bleaching events as a result of climate change; the frequency and severity of which has damaged both the Reef and the livelihoods of 64,000 people .

Our escalating climate emergency has caused a 54 per cent increase in the number of marine heatwave days each year ; making it difficult for damaged corals to sufficiently recover. These dramatic changes to the once-thriving underwater ecosystem is causing a sense of apprehension among tourism operators.

“What you’ll find is that some tourism operators are a bit wary about talking about the problems that the Reef faces. Obviously, they don’t want people to know that the Reef is compromised; it’s bad for business,” says diving operator Tony Fontes.

“If we do talk about it, then the public starts to think: ‘well, there’s no Reef, so we’ll have to visit somewhere else’. It’s a fine line,” he says.

With 40 years of diving experience under his belt, Fontes has witnessed both the decimation and revival of corals, along with the changes to the Reef’s tourism industry.

“The Reef has had significant bleaching events, particularly in the past five years. But there’s still a lot of good coral out there. When bleaching occurs, or cyclones — you have to move. That’s practically what everyone has done”.

Coral bleaching occurs when zooxanthellae – the colourful, microscopic algae that live within the coral – is expelled due to environmental stressors like marine heatwaves caused by climate change. The absence of zooxanthellae gives the coral a faded, bleached appearance. If temperatures fail to return to normal, the coral eventually dies. It can take decades for coral reefs to recover from a single bleaching event.

“What I’ve seen happen now, in terms of adaption, is more non-underwater activities like sailing, bushwalking and jet-skiing. Many operators are looking at activities that don’t require you to get in the water and look at coral — which, to me is incredibly sad — but they’ve got no choice,” says Fontes.

At 1.5°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a loss of 70-90 per cent of the world’s coral reefs. At 2°C, that number increases to 99 per cent .

Dr Nikola Casule, Head of Research & Investigations at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, says that the harm inflicted upon the Reef is happening because humans have tampered with the natural mechanisms of the planet. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon emissions, which exacerbates the greenhouse effect and increases the temperature of our oceans.

“Corals are very sensitive to the particular ecosystems that they live in; they can only survive within a small temperature range. Climate change really is the biggest threat to the Reef, overwhelmingly because of the harmful effect that warming conditions have on corals,” says Dr Casule.

Queensland’s tourism industry is wholly dependent on the survival of the Great Barrier Reef, but Australian Marine Conservation Society’s (AMCS) David Cazzulino believes the reputation of the Reef has taken a hit in recent years.

“A lot of tourism operators feel frustrated with questions like: ‘wow, I heard the Reef is dying — do I bother coming to see it?’”

“There is a concern, if we don’t take action, what will happen to regional centres like Cairns and the Whitsunday’s — all those places where tourism relies heavily on the Great Barrier Reef”.

“That’s been the core of our work at the AMCS — so far, over thirty tourism operators have signed the Reef Climate Declaration which calls for action on climate change to keep global warming below 1.5°C. That timeline depends on what we do now,” says Cazzulino.

Fontes, having worked on the Reef for much of his lifetime, says that he’s both optimistic and realistic about the future of the Reef’s tourism industry.

“Future generations will have a Great Barrier Reef if we get on top of things soon. But if you want to have an impact and make people do something, you can’t just talk about nature and its beauty – you also have to talk about jobs and money,” says Fontes.

Keeping fossil fuels in the ground is essential to preserving the future of the Great Barrier Reef and its tourism industry. Dr Casule says there’s absolutely no time to waste. “The best time to have taken this seriously was 30 years ago, the next best time is now”.

“The question facing Australia, and the Federal Government in particular, is — do we want coral, or do we want coal? Because we can’t have both. The survival of the Reef is incompatible with continuing to burn coal,” says Dr Casule.

“As long as we’re doing our part, raising our voice for the Reef, and working together to push for bolder climate action – I think there is hope to protect our iconic reef,” Cazzulino concludes.

By Olivia Nankivell, a journalist, freelance writer and copywriter based in Adelaide, South Australia.

For more in this series, visit The Future of the Great Barrier Reef hub.

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• Published: 24 June 2019

Shifts in tourists’ sentiments and climate risk perceptions following mass coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef

• Matthew I. Curnock   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2365-810X 1 ,
• Nadine A. Marshall 1 ,
• Lauric Thiault   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5572-7632 2 , 3 ,
• Scott F. Heron   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5262-6978 1 , 4 , 5 ,
• Jessica Hoey 6 ,
• Genevieve Williams 1 , 6 ,
• Bruce Taylor 7 ,
• Petina L. Pert   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7738-7691 1 &
• Jeremy Goldberg 1 , 8  

Nature Climate Change volume  9 ,  pages 535–541 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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• Climate-change impacts
• Psychology and behaviour

Iconic places, including World Heritage areas, are symbolic and synonymous with national and cultural identities. Recognition of an existential threat to an icon may therefore arouse public concern and protective sentiment. Here we test this assumption by comparing sentiments, threat perceptions and values associated with the Great Barrier Reef and climate change attitudes among 4,681 Australian and international tourists visiting the Great Barrier Reef region before and after mass coral bleaching in 2016 and 2017. There was an increase in grief-related responses and decline in self-efficacy, which could inhibit individual action. However, there was also an increase in protective sentiments, ratings of place values and the proportion of respondents who viewed climate change as an immediate threat. These results suggest that imperilled icons have potential to mobilize public support around addressing the wider threat of climate change but that achieving and sustaining engagement will require a strategic approach to overcome self-efficacy barriers.

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Global warming threatens ecosystems and societies globally. However, in many countries public attitudes and perceptions of climate risks have lagged behind the accumulation of scientific evidence and assessments, contributing to inadequate political support for mitigation or adaptation 1 , 2 , 3 . As the risks and costs of climate change will increase the longer mitigation is delayed 4 , there is a need to understand barriers to public engagement with the issue and support for public action, including drivers of risk perceptions.

Many contextual and cultural factors can influence individuals’ climate change beliefs and attitudes, including value orientations, social identity and group norms 5 . While acceptance of the scientific consensus on human-induced climate change has been identified as an important ‘gateway belief’ to increased support for climate actions 6 , simply presenting more scientific facts to a sceptical or unengaged audience can be ineffective and even counterproductive 7 . Changing attitudes, beliefs and value orientations requires both cognitive and affective engagement (that is, reasoned understanding combined with emotional consequence), with emotion regarded to have the greater influence 3 , 8 , 9 . Yet failure to elicit an affective response to the threat of climate change is common among climate and behaviour change campaigns 10 . Part of this problem is a widespread perception that climate change is an abstract threat, with distant impacts that are presumed to affect other people, in other places at a future time 11 , 12 , 13 .

Research that seeks to understand the processes by which climate change risks become more salient to people has become an important field of enquiry. Climate change awareness and risk perceptions can be influenced through affective stimuli and the emotional responses associated with the perceived threat of loss or harm to oneself and/or things that are valued 5 , 14 . The effectiveness of emotional appeals and of evoking specific emotions to promote public engagement in environmental issues and behaviour change is an ongoing subject of scholarly debates 15 . Discrete emotions that have been identified as strongly associated with increased support for climate change policy include worry, interest and hope 14 . Eliciting fear can result in attitudinal changes and motivate new behaviours in response to a perceived threat 15 , 16 ; however, fear has also been shown to negatively influence engagement with the climate change issue and is considered detrimental to self-efficacy (the belief in one’s ability to affect change) 9 , 14 , 17 .

One approach to fostering improved engagement with climate change is the use and portrayal of icons. Icons are potent in their appeal to personal values and emotions; as such, they play an important role in representing climate change 18 , 19 . Iconic entities, including various animals, plants, natural and human-made landmarks, landscapes and ecosystems are symbolic, highly valued in numerous ways, and are synonymous with national and cultural identities 20 . Climate icons have been defined as “tangible entities which will be impacted by climate change, which the viewer considers worthy of respect, and to which the viewer can relate and feel empathy” 17 . Studies on the affective appeal of climate icons have used focus groups and workshops to identify characteristics that contribute to higher engagement 9 , 17 , 18 . However, affective responses associated with a large-scale climate impact to an iconic entity have not previously been documented.

In addition, an emerging body of literature on the ‘science of loss’ has highlighted an increasing need for research that explains the range of human values associated with the natural world, and how these values are endangered by a changing climate 21 , 22 . While the prospect of icons becoming damaged or degraded might prompt evaluations of tangible and direct economic losses, there are many intangible and non-economic values for icons that are likely to remain insufficiently accounted for (for example, cultural, lifestyle, health and identity values) 22 . The incomplete recognition of these intangible values, and of how heterogeneous communities will be affected by an icon’s loss or damage, increases the risk of failure to anticipate limits to adaptation, and to distinguish between acceptable, tolerable and intolerable outcomes 22 , 23 .

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is an iconic ecosystem and is regarded as Australia’s ‘most inspiring’ icon 24 . It is part of the national cultural identity and its UNESCO World Heritage status is a source of pride for most Australians 24 , 25 . Place attachment, pride and place values (for example, aesthetic, biodiversity, scientific heritage and lifestyle values) for the GBR extend to communities of stakeholders internationally 26 , 27 and contribute to the GBR’s appeal as an international tourism attraction 28 . Physical and aesthetic attributes of the GBR that motivate tourists to visit and that contribute to their satisfaction with reef-based activities (for example, snorkelling, scuba diving and wildlife watching), include the perception of healthy corals, abundant fish and clear water 29 . Tourism has become the GBR’s largest direct economic contributor, providing more than 58,000 sectoral jobs (full-time equivalent) and generating an estimated AUD$5.7 billion annually; the GBR’s total economic, social and icon asset value has been estimated at AUD$56 billion 30 .

However, the GBR faces multiple, cumulative threats, including climate change, and its long-term outlook has been assessed as poor and getting worse 31 . The 2016 marine heatwave caused the most intense coral bleaching observed on the GBR and resulted in an estimated 29–30% loss of shallow coral cover 32 . The following summer, unprecedented back-to-back coral bleaching caused an estimated 20% of additional coral mortality 33 . Most of the severe bleaching occurred in the northern half of the GBR Marine Park, affecting many tourism sites in the Cairns region 34 . Additionally, in March 2017, a severe tropical cyclone damaged reef and island tourism sites in the Whitsundays region 35 . Future projections of heat stress under a business-as-usual scenario (representative concentration pathway RCP 8.5) represent an existential threat to the GBR and to coral reefs globally, with severe coral bleaching expected to occur annually from the mid-2040s (ref. 36 ).

News of impacts to the GBR over 2016–2017 were reported internationally and a large proportion of those media stories were sensationalized and fatalistic in their messaging 37 . There were concerns that this negative media coverage would lead to a decline in tourist visits to the region 38 and propagate perceptions that no effective action to save the GBR is possible 37 . Records of visits to the GBR indicate that general decline in tourist visits has not yet occurred 39 ; instead, there has been an increase in ‘last chance tourism’, characterized by the motivation to see an iconic place (or species) before it is gone or permanently changed 40 .

In this study, we present results from surveys of 4,681 tourists (53% Australian and 47% international) who visited the GBR region before and after the events of 2016–2017 described above (see Methods ). We show that imperilled icons can contribute to proximizing the climate change issue across scales by comparing tourists’ affective responses and place values associated with an icon, their perceptions of threats to those values and their protective sentiment and self-efficacy, before (2013, n  = 2,877) and after (2017, n  = 1,804) the icon was subjected to a large-scale climatic impact.

Emotional responses to the GBR

We found a significant increase in the use of negatively valenced emotional words from 2013 to 2017 in response to the open-ended question, “what are the first words that come to mind when you think about the GBR?” (Fig. 1a,b ). In particular, words associated with sadness (for example, ‘fragile’ and ‘disappointing’), disgust (for example, ‘pollution’ and ‘ruined’), anger (for example, ‘destruction’ and ‘damage’) and fear (for example, ‘change’ and ‘danger’) increased significantly, while words evoking neutral or positive emotions did not change (Fig. 1c ). We compared the use of emotive words provided by tourists who had visited the GBR ( n  = 3,121) with words of those who had not visited the GBR at the time they were surveyed ( n  = 1,560). There was no difference in the use of such words between the two groups (Fig. 1c ), suggesting that the emotive response was not dependent on personal experience and observation of GBR impacts.

a , b , Visual comparisons of “the first words that come to mind when you think of the GBR” among tourists in the GBR region in 2013 ( n  = 2,877) ( a ) and 2017 ( n  = 1,804) ( b ). The size of words represents the relative frequency of responses. Words with positive and negative valence are coloured in blue and red, respectively. Neutral words are shown in grey. Words occurring fewer than three times are omitted. c , Mean change in occurrence of positive (blue), negative (red) and neutral (grey) emotions associated with responses from 2013 to 2017 in respondents who had visited the GBR ( n  = 3,121) compared with those who had not ( n  = 1,560). Error bars show 95% confidence intervals. Changes in the occurrence of specific emotions are significant if the confidence interval does not overlap with the 2013 (zero) baseline.

Elements of the negative emotional content of responses in 2017 (Fig. 1b,c ) were consistent with ‘ecological grief’, characterized as “the grief felt in relation to experienced or anticipated ecological losses, including the loss of species, ecosystems and meaningful landscapes due to acute or chronic environmental change” 41 . Sadness, anger and fear are common emotional reactions to many different types of loss, contributing to diverse grief responses 42 . Disgust is a primitive behaviour-influencing emotion that also occurs in a variety of contexts, including in response to politically oriented stimuli 43 . Ecological grief is increasingly being recognized among the unquantified and intangible costs of ecological losses associated with the Anthropocene 41 , 44 , 45 . A related study reported ‘reef grief’ as a response to the 2016–2017 GBR coral bleaching event among local coastal residents and tourists, and found that ratings of place attachment, place identity, place-based pride, lifestyle dependence and derived wellbeing are associated with stronger expressions of ecological grief 46 . Our results here (Fig. 1 ) provide further insights into the emotional manifestation of ecological grief in this context. As non-local actors, tourists would not normally be considered to have strong lifestyle dependence on the destinations and attractions they visit; however, their place attachment for an icon such as the GBR can still be strong 25 , 26 and they are vulnerable to experiencing grief in response to the icon’s loss or damage.

Threat perceptions and climate change attitudes

In short, open-ended responses to the question “what do you think are the three most serious threats to the GBR?”, the proportion of respondents identifying climate change increased from 40% of respondents in 2013 to 51% in 2017, making climate change the most frequently cited threat overall in 2017 (Fig. 2a ). In comparison, in 2013 the most commonly identified threat to the GBR was tourism (43% of respondents), which dropped to third-ranked in 2017 (27% of respondents). The pollution category included a wide range of responses (for example, litter, marine debris and urban pollutants) and was identified in 2017 by 50% of respondents. In 2017, pollution ranked second: up from being ranked third in 2013 at 30%, potentially reflecting an increased awareness of the threat of marine debris. The other category that displayed a notable increase was effects of humanity (9% in 2013 to 24% in 2017), which included responses such as overpopulation, human activity and anthropogenic threats. Coral bleaching was cited by 8% of respondents in both years; however, its ranking relative to other perceived threats increased from eleventh in 2013 to ninth in 2017.

a , The percentages of tourists in 2013 ( n  = 2,877) and 2017 ( n  = 1,804) who identified specific threats among their perceived “three most serious threats to the GBR”. The top 12 response themes are shown for each group. b , The percentages of tourists in 2013 ( n  = 2,877) and 2017 ( n  = 1,804) choosing each of five statements to represent their awareness and attitude towards climate change.

Public perceptions of environmental risks and threats are shaped by social, cultural and psychological processes, and the exchange of information about ‘risk events’ can amplify (or attenuate) public responses to a risk or threat 47 . Symbols and imagery portraying risk events further interact with these processes in ways that can intensify risk perceptions 48 . Public awareness and perceptions of threats facing the GBR have evolved in recent decades and media representations of threats and risk events are considered to have had influence 37 , 49 . Ironically, tourists perceive their own activities as a dominant impact at ecologically sensitive sites 50 . The presence of other tourists, associated infrastructure and localized site degradation are often the only pressures and impacts readily visible and identifiable at tourist sites, thus influencing visitors’ wider threat perceptions 51 . While tourism has not been recognized in any recent scientific literature as among the most serious threats to the GBR, our results suggest that in 2013 many GBR tourists were probably unaware of the level of risk associated with other, scientifically recognized, threats such as climate change; and that any effects that could be attributed to such threats were less (or were not) visible to GBR tourists at that time.

There was a marked increase from 2013 to 2017 in the proportion of tourists who reported their acceptance that “climate change is an immediate threat requiring action” (56 to 73%; Fig. 2b ). While this proportion for international tourists (increasing from 64% in 2013 to 78% in 2017) was higher than that for Australians (increasing from 50% in 2013 to 67% in 2017), the magnitude of this increase in both groups towards recognition of the climate change threat, its immediacy and the need for action, represents a substantial shift in normative attitudes toward climate change at a scale and in a timeframe not reported in previous studies. Previous annual surveys of Australian attitudes towards climate change, over the period from 2010 to 2014, showed that while the attitudes of individuals fluctuated, the aggregate levels of opinion remained stable over that time 52 . Whether the observed changes in 2017 represent a reaction at a moment in time or a lasting change in attitudes is uncertain and further work is needed to determine whether these perceptions have become normalized in the wider population.

While we cannot conclusively attribute the cause of this attitudinal change to the GBR coral bleaching events, we believe that a strong influence and ‘risk amplification’ was likely, considering the scale of the event, its extensive media coverage that explicitly attributed the events to climate change 37 , associated imagery, as well as the direct observation of affected reef sites by many tourists who visited the GBR over this time. While the more sensationalized and fatalistic media stories of the coral bleaching events and the GBR’s imperilled status have been criticized for their potential to cause public disengagement and a loss of hope in mitigation actions 37 , the broader exchange of information precipitated by this risk event may have had positive outcomes on public threat awareness (Fig. 2a ) and support for mitigative action (Fig. 2b ).

Personal experience and perceptions

We found significant declines in tourists’ perceptions of the GBR’s aesthetic beauty, their overall satisfaction with their experience of the GBR (among those who had visited) and in their ratings of the quality of reef tourism activities (among those who had participated; Table 1a ). While the 2017 mean scores remained relatively high on a 10-point scale (ranging between 7.46 and 8.52), there is an inherent positivity bias associated with tourist satisfaction ratings and relatively small changes can signal a qualitative distinction 53 .

The aesthetic appreciation of natural settings is a fundamental way in which people relate to the environment, and aesthetic perceptions play a critical role in the satisfaction that tourists derive from places 54 . In a coral reef setting, physical attributes that have been correlated quantitatively with non-expert ratings of aesthetic beauty include water clarity, fish abundance and ‘coral topography’ (the complexity of coral formations and features); however, many more visual and sensory attributes contribute to people’s overall aesthetic appraisal 54 . Imagery associated with the mass coral bleaching events was widely featured in media articles, in which aerial and underwater scenes of white, pale and fluorescent corals were often depicted (for example, see the March 2017 cover of Nature 55 ). Such imagery is visually striking, and scenes of bleached coral gardens can even be considered beautiful 56 . Such scenes are typically short-lived: once mortality occurs, brown algae quickly smothers coral skeletons 57 . While the biological process of coral bleaching is complex and its explanation is technical, the imagery from the event may have been highly engaging to non-expert audiences, overcoming barriers that have been associated with ‘expert’ conceptualizations of climate change threats and impacts 18 .

At the time of the 2017 tourist survey (July–August), bleached coral was still present in low levels; however, mortality associated with the 2016 coral bleaching event had already occurred from Cairns to the far north of the GBR, and cyclone-damaged reefs and islands in the Whitsundays region had not recovered 58 . We therefore consider that a substantial proportion of the 1,076 respondents who had visited the GBR when surveyed in 2017 probably had personally experienced and observed affected areas, influencing their aesthetic perceptions and satisfaction. However, as noted above, the personal observation of impacts on the GBR was not a requisite for recalling a negative emotional response to the GBR (Fig. 1c ).

Effects on place values, pride and identity

Understanding place values, which represent the estimated worth and meaning of a place, is important for environmental management and decision making 59 , 60 . We found that strong, shared values for an icon are responsive to ecosystem disturbances and threats. In contrast with the declines in ratings of GBR perceptions and the tourist experience reported above, we found small but significant increases from 2013 to 2017 in ratings of values attributed to the GBR, including its biodiversity value, scientific and education value, lifestyle value and international icon value. Similarly, pride and identity associated with the GBR were significantly higher in 2017 (Table 1b ). Pride in the GBR and GBR identity were positively correlated with these cultural values attributed to the GBR (see Table 2 ). Place values, such as those recorded for the GBR’s biodiversity, scientific heritage and lifestyle values, are consistently strong among diverse stakeholder groups (geographically proximate and distal alike), whereas greater variability is expressed for pride and identity 27 , consistent with the lower mean scores for GBR identity among tourists (Table 1b ).

We propose that these increased ratings for (or expressions of) place values, identity and pride are complementary to the expression of ecological grief (representing ‘ecological empathy’), and form part of the holistic affective response to an imperilled climate icon. Empathy for nature stems from a recognition of its intrinsic value and a feeling of connectedness to it (for example, pride and identity) 61 and the desire to protect the environment has been proposed as an extension of Maslow’s ‘values of being’ in the self-actualization process 61 . Knowing that such values can change in response to environmental change highlights a need for their continued assessment. As loss and ecological grief are expected to become increasingly common responses to climate impacts 21 , 41 , the health literature on cumulative trauma suggests that ‘compassion fatigue’ 62 and the erosion of ecological empathy (or ‘environmental numbness’) 63 may occur.

Protective sentiment and self-efficacy

While protective sentiment associated with the GBR increased significantly in 2017, including tourists’ willingness to act and willingness to learn (Table 1c ), there was a corresponding decline in self-efficacy, represented here by capacity to act and optimism for the future of the GBR. The slight increase in ratings for sense of agency and opportunity to act indicates some self-awareness of the individual’s role in mitigating threats. However, the corresponding decline in sense of individual responsibility suggests that community expectations of responsibility and capacity for addressing great threats such as climate change are located in the actions of governments and corporations, rather than their own actions.

Conclusions

Our study identified a clear affective response amongst tourists, whose protective sentiment for the GBR became heightened after a notable climate impact, while their sense of self-efficacy diminished. Concomitant with grief-associated emotive responses (sadness, anger and fear; Fig. 1c ), respondents expressed empathy for the icon through increased ratings of place values, identity and protective sentiment (Table 1a,b ).

While our study is limited to tourists, we note that they represent diverse national and international stakeholder interests, attitudes and values, from widespread places of origin. Their affective responses in this case were not dependent on visits to the GBR and personal experience of impacts (Fig. 1c ), indicating other contributing influences; for example, sensationalized media representations 37 and imagery of the coral bleaching event. This suggests that representations of icons like the GBR, when subject to a high-profile risk event, can elicit wide-reaching affective responses, amplify risks and proximize the climate change issue. However, like other examples of the iconic approach for representing climate change 9 , 18 , the observed decline in self-efficacy represents a barrier to productive engagement in mitigative actions. In particular, the expression of fear (Fig. 1c ) and the observed decline in individual sense of responsibility (Table 1c ) may be indicative of the perceived scale of the climate threat and the intractability of the problem through individual efforts alone. Nonetheless, the expressions of protective sentiment in this context suggest a significant potential to mobilize public support around addressing threats to icons, like the GBR, where opportunities for individual action are linked to a broader, collective response.

From an action perspective, our findings can be considered both potentially constraining (due to reduced self-efficacy) and enabling (due to increased protective sentiment). Management, scientific or conservation agencies that seek to engage communities in climate mitigation and adaptation may arouse high levels of interest and empathy by using evocative imagery of icons during crises or high-profile events. However, achieving and sustaining engagement in collective action will require a more strategic and thoughtful approach to overcome efficacy barriers. Prevailing over such barriers can potentially be achieved by drawing on lessons from health and psychology literature, including, for example, the ‘small changes’ approach 64 , positive affirmation and promotion of incremental successes 65 , and fostering pride in pro-environmental behaviours 66 . Maintaining hope, balanced with clear and accessible actions linked to attainable goals, also remains critical to motivating people and sustaining their engagement in collective efforts to restore, mitigate and adapt 63 , 67 .

Engaging with loss and grief represents an additional challenge that requires sensitivity. An understanding of shared place values provides an important basis for constructive engagement with the possibility of loss, and appealing to such values can empower communities and motivate cooperation to offset potentially harmful outcomes 21 , 22 . However, it is important to recognize that wider place values are heterogeneous, that some may be in conflict, and that respectful, transparent dialogue provides the best avenue to negotiate areas of contention 68 .

Our study provides insights into some of the shared place values assigned to the GBR among one, albeit diverse, non-local stakeholder group. As a multiple-use marine park and World Heritage area, with adjacent coastal communities dependent on tourism, fishing, agriculture and mining (among other industries), and with cross-scale communities deriving wellbeing from a broad range of cultural and ecosystem services, the GBR represents an important example among climate icons that encapsulates a multiplex of human values that are challenged by climate change. Like other natural World Heritage-listed sites, the full extent of cultural and other intangible values that are at stake in the GBR remains poorly understood 31 . Research to describe the diversity and importance of human values associated with iconic places that are vulnerable to loss is needed, as a precursor to predicting how such values might respond to future losses, to guide coordinated responses to the climate threat and to mitigate potential suffering from future impacts 21 , 22 .

Survey design

To measure and compare tourists’ perceptions and values of the GBR and protective sentiments for the GBR, we used a series of statements from an established framework for monitoring human–environment cultural and place values 27 and asked survey respondents to indicate their level of agreement/disagreement on a 10-point scale (1 = very strongly disagree; 10 = very strongly agree). Similarly, we asked respondents who had visited the GBR to provide ratings of their satisfaction (1 = extremely dissatisfied; 10 = extremely satisfied) and the quality of popular reef-based activities (1 = very low quality; 10 = very high quality) if they had undertaken them during their visit. Climate change threat awareness and perceptions were elicited by asking respondents to select one statement from five options that best reflected their viewpoint: (1) “climate change is an immediate threat requiring action”, (2) “climate change is a serious threat but the impacts are too distant for immediate concern”, (3) “I need more evidence to be convinced of the problem”, (4) “I believe that climate change is not a threat at all” and (5) “I do not have a view on climate change”. To elicit threat perceptions, respondents were asked to list what they thought were the “three most serious threats to the GBR” in a short, open-ended format. While some minor changes were made to the overall survey instrument between 2013 and 2017, the questions used for our analyses in this study remained identical.

Data collection

Tourists in the GBR region (defined as the GBR catchment, bounded by Cape York in the north, Bundaberg in the south and the Great Dividing Range in the west) were surveyed using face-to-face interviews between June and August in both 2013 and 2017 (ref. 69 ). For the purposes of this study we defined tourists broadly as non-resident visitors to the GBR region. The surveys were conducted at 14 regional population centres along the coast, in public locations such as beaches, boat ramps, parks, shopping centres and markets, and on a limited number of GBR tourism vessels. Interviews were conducted by trained survey staff, and responses were entered in situ into tablet computers, using the iSurvey application. In 2013, we achieved a sample of 2,877 tourists (1,557 of whom were Australian, 1,286 from overseas and 34 respondents who did not provide their place of origin), followed by a sample of 1,804 tourists in 2017 (831 Australian, 805 from overseas and 168 respondents who did not provide their place of origin). Our sampling strategy used a combination of convenience and quota sampling 70 , to minimize potential biases for gender, age and nationality. However, a limitation of the study was its availability in English only, and we acknowledge that some non-English-speaking tourist market segments are under-represented (for example, tourists from China). This research involving human participants was reviewed and approved by the CSIRO Social Science Human Research Ethics Committee and was conducted in accordance with the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). All respondents gave informed consent to participate in the voluntary survey.

Description of sample

The demography and location of origin for both domestic and international tourists was comparable between years; however, in 2017, the mean age of domestic tourists was lower than that for 2013 (43.5 ± 0.45 yr compared with 48.9 ± 0.64 yr respectively). A higher proportion of females was represented among the international tourists in both years (55% of our sample in 2013 and 57% in 2017). Overseas respondents came from 54 countries in our 2013 sample and 35 countries in our 2017 sample. Most international respondents came from Europe and North America, with the largest proportions originating from the United Kingdom (25% in 2013 and 19% in 2017), Germany (18% in 2013 and 19% in 2017), France (12% in 2013 and 11% in 2017) and the United States (8% in 2013 and 11% in 2017). Most domestic tourists were repeat visitors to the GBR region (77% in both years), while most international tourists were first-time visitors to the region (84% in 2013 and 86% in 2017). Among domestic tourists, 58% in both years had visited the GBR during their stay in the region; among international tourists, 85% had visited the GBR in 2013 and 67% had visited the GBR in 2017. The number of responses ( n ) varied for some of the survey questions (for example, ratings of the quality of scuba diving, snorkelling and wildlife watching were limited to respondents who had participated in those activities); where relevant, these differing sample sizes are shown (Table 1 ), with accompanying standard errors for mean scores.

Statistical analyses of numeric data

We used MS Excel and SPSS (v.22) software for analyses of numeric data (providing means and comparing the distribution of rating scores for a range of 10-point scaled response questions, as described above). Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-tests (Table 1 ) and Spearman’s rho correlation tests (Table 2 ) were used, as the appropriate statistical tools for ordinal (10-point rating scale) data 71 . Effect sizes ( r ) were calculated manually from the SPSS output z value using: \(r = \frac{z}{{\sqrt {\mit{n}} }}\) .

Word–emotion analysis and word clouds

Our first question in the survey asked, in an open-ended short response format: “what are the first words that come to mind when you think about the GBR?” Responses were cleaned (correcting spelling, removing punctuation and stop words) and their association with eight core emotions theorized by R. Plutchik (fear, anger, joy, sadness, trust, disgust, anticipation and surprise) 72 were scored on a binary scale (0 = not associated, 1 = associated) using the National Research Council of Canada Word–Emotion Association Lexicon (EmoLex) 73 . EmoLex is a large, high-quality, word–emotion lexicon in which more than 14,000 English unigrams (nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs) and 25,000 word senses were manually annotated by crowdsourcing 74 , noting that multiple emotions can be evoked simultaneously by the same word. We then calculated, for each emotion, the difference in average occurrence (±95% confidence interval) between 2017 and 2013.

To produce the word-cloud visualizations showing basic emotional valence/sentiment associated with words/terms (positive or negative valence shown in blue and red, respectively; Fig. 1a,b ), we adapted EmoLex to account for the contextual relevance of particular words used when referring to a coral reef ecosystem. We removed words that otherwise would have been identified as negatively valenced (for example ‘cold’, ‘sharks’ and ‘wild’) or positively valenced (for example ‘hot’ and ‘warm’) outside this context. New words that we categorized as positively valanced included ‘diversity’, ‘life’, ‘icon’, ‘pristine’, ‘heritage’, ‘colours’, ‘relaxing’, ‘sunshine’, ‘biggest’, ‘vast’, ‘biodiversity’, ‘natural’, ‘nature’, ‘colourful’, ‘unique’, ‘holiday’, ‘holidays’ and ‘relax’. New words/terms that we identified as negatively valanced included ‘bleaching’, ‘bleached’, ‘climate change’, ‘coal’, ‘endangered’, ‘oil’, ‘pollution’ and ‘threatened’. Analyses were done using the {tm} and {syuzhet} packages (for text mining and cleaning and for the word–emotion and word cloud/sentiment analyses, respectively) in R.

Coding of threats

Respondents were asked “what do you think are the three most serious threats to the GBR” in a short open-ended response format. Ranking of the listed threats by respondents was not taken into account. Responses were cleaned and then sorted into main categories, using MS Excel, with coding checked by at least two researchers. Responses in the pollution category included marine debris, beach litter and a range of other contributors, as well as the generic term ‘pollution’. The water quality category included agricultural as well as urban and industrial runoff, sediments and pesticides, while coastal development encompassed port developments, dredging and other industrial activities. The fishing category included all extractive activities, commercial and recreational, illegal foreign fishing and ‘overfishing’ in general. The shipping category included oil spills and ballast water/pollution from shipping. The natural disasters category included responses such as storm damage, cyclones, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes. The climate change category included global warming, rising temperatures (sea and air) and sea level rise. Coral bleaching was coded separately, as was ocean acidification. While climate change, coral bleaching and ocean acidification are related, separate coding of the three terms was considered appropriate. Broad-scale (‘mass’) coral bleaching events result from heat stress, including the recent GBR events, and have been attributed scientifically to climate change 58 , 75 . However, coral bleaching can occur as a result of multiple non-climate change pressures, such as fresh-water inundation and overexposure to direct sunlight 57 . Further to this, heat-stress-induced coral bleaching is only one potential effect (or ‘symptom’) of climate change. Increased storm intensity and/or frequency (physical damage) and sea-level rise (reduced water quality and reef drowning) are other pressures affecting coral reefs that are linked to climate change 76 . Acidification, while associated with climate change as another consequence of increased atmospheric CO 2 absorbed by the ocean, is regarded as a separate driver of many (different) pressures affecting marine ecosystems 76 .

Reporting Summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Research Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study (SELTMP 2013; 2017) 69 are publicly available from the CSIRO online data access portal at https://doi.org/10.25919/5c74c7a7965dc . The R code used in this study is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This study was conducted using data from the Social and Economic Long-Term Monitoring Program for the Great Barrier Reef (SELTMP: https://research.csiro.au/seltmp/ ) with funding provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments as part of the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program (2017–2019) and the Australian Government’s National Environmental Research Program, Tropical Ecosystems Hub (2011–2015). S.F.H. was supported by National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) grant (no. NA14NES4320003) (Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites) at the University of Maryland/ESSIC. The scientific results and conclusions, as well as any views or opinions expressed herein, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government, the Minister for the Environment, the Queensland Government, NOAA or the US Department of Commerce.

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Matthew I. Curnock, Nadine A. Marshall, Scott F. Heron, Genevieve Williams, Petina L. Pert & Jeremy Goldberg

National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE USR3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Paris, France

Lauric Thiault

Laboratoire d’Excellence CORAIL, Papetoai Moorea, French Polynesia

Coral Reef Watch, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, College Park, MD, USA

Scott F. Heron

Marine Geophysical Laboratory, Physics, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Jessica Hoey & Genevieve Williams

CSIRO Land and Water, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Bruce Taylor

College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

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N.A.M., M.I.C., P.L.P., J.G. and others designed the research and collected data. M.I.C., L.T., G.W. and N.A.M. analysed the data. M.I.C., N.A.M., L.T., S.F.H., J.H., B.T., P.L.P. and J.G. wrote the paper.

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Correspondence to Matthew I. Curnock .

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Curnock, M.I., Marshall, N.A., Thiault, L. et al. Shifts in tourists’ sentiments and climate risk perceptions following mass coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef. Nat. Clim. Chang. 9 , 535–541 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0504-y

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Received : 11 December 2018

Accepted : 10 May 2019

Published : 24 June 2019

Issue Date : July 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0504-y

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Sustainable tourism management in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: a collective effort

A guest blog by Josh Thomas – CEO, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Josh Thomas

CEO, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

The Great Barrier Reef is a global treasure. It is one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, a complex ecosystem that supports immense biodiversity and an iconic destination for global tourism. However, the reef, like other reefs worldwide, is under pressure. While the single greatest threat to the reef is climate change, it faces a range of other pressures, including impacts on water quality from catchment runoff, coastal development, fishing, and outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. 

Given these pressures, it is vital to strike the right balance between protection and access—with an emphasis on developing and supporting responsible, sustainable tourism management and practices. At the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority we play a pivotal role in ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience this unique natural wonder. We do this by fostering collaboration, implementing zoning and regulations, promoting education, monitoring, and conducting research. We work alongside the reef Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional owners and high-standard tourism operators (ones that operate to a higher standard than required by legislation as part of their commitment to ecologically sustainable use), to contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Minimising the impact of visitor activities on the reef ensures we can maximise the tourist experience and tourism’s significant contribution to local communities. Our purpose is to provide for the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef. 

To protect the most vulnerable areas of the reef and mitigate impacts, the Reef Authority has developed and implemented a comprehensive zoning plan for the marine park. Each zone is tailored to preserve and support its unique ecological and recreational values. This includes designated no-entry zones to protect sensitive habitats, and zones that enable regulated tourism activities. The plan helps us to minimise disturbances to the reef’s fragile ecosystems, while also sharing its immense beauty with the world.

There are 60,000 people employed in reef-related industries, and strong industry support for a well-managed reef. A stringent permit system requires tourism operators in the marine park to obtain permits and adhere to strict guidelines on waste management, vessel operation, management of structures and wildlife interactions. Tourism activities are monitored and responsible practices enforced to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef requires collective action, and no entity can achieve this alone. Strong partnerships between traditional owners, government agencies, the tourism sector, local communities and environmental organisations are critical. By working together, we develop and implement strategies that deliver our common goal of reef protection, while respecting the needs of all stakeholders.

Education is also key to ensuring responsible and sustainable reef tourism. reef traditional owners, high-standard tourism operators and master reef guides collaborate to teach visitors about the reef’s history, traditional management and its vulnerability. This collaboration empowers visitors to become ambassadors for the reef, and to make positive environmental impacts far beyond our shores. Informed tourists make conscious choices.

Protecting an ecosystem as vast as the reef requires ongoing monitoring and assessment. Research and our monitoring programmes, such as the “ Eye on the Reef ”, allow us to collect valuable real-time data from tourism operators and the wider community that inform decision-making. This evidence-based approach enables us to identify areas of concern, adapt management strategies, and implement measures to safeguard the reef’s ecological health. Monitoring the reef ensures we can support its resilience when and where it is most needed. The tourism industry plays a key role in both monitoring and site stewardship on the reef. In addition to regular reef health surveys, the industry manages coral predators, including crown-of-thorns starfish, and assists with post-cyclone recovery.

By implementing and enforcing zoning and regulations, and by cultivating partnerships, we are laying the foundations for responsible, sustainable tourism. Education and awareness initiatives empower visitors to become advocates for the reef, while research and monitoring equip us to adapt to an ever-changing climate.

It truly is a collective effort. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to see the reef, fall in love with it and take actions in their own lives that will ultimately help to protect the reef.

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How Does Tourism Affect The Great Barrier Reef

Published: December 11, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Cleopatra Fleischman

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Introduction

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic and precious natural wonders. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland, it is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. Its vibrant marine life and breathtaking landscapes attract millions of tourists from around the globe each year. However, with the rise in tourism comes both positive and negative impacts on the delicate ecosystem of the reef.

This article will delve into the effects of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef, specifically focusing on the economic benefits it brings, as well as the environmental challenges it poses. While tourism provides significant revenue and employment opportunities for the local communities, it also puts immense pressure on the delicate coral reefs and marine life. We will explore the issue of coral bleaching, which has been exacerbated by the influx of tourists. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term preservation of this natural wonder.

It is essential to understand the complex relationship between tourism and the Great Barrier Reef to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. By examining the impacts of tourism on this unique ecosystem, we can work towards sustainable solutions that protect the reef while still allowing visitors to witness its beauty.

Importance of the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef holds immense ecological and cultural significance, making it a treasure not just for Australia but for the entire world. It is home to a diverse range of marine species, including over 1,500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays, and 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles. The reef also supports an array of other marine life, such as dolphins, sea snakes, and dugongs. This rich biodiversity contributes to the overall health of the ocean and plays a crucial role in maintaining the global ecosystem.

Beyond its environmental importance, the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a source of pride for the Australian people. It holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities who have relied on the reef for sustenance and as a spiritual and cultural symbol for thousands of years. The reef is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its stunning coral formations, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life make it a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and divers from around the world.

In addition to its ecological and cultural value, the Great Barrier Reef contributes significantly to the Australian economy. It generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, supporting various industries such as tourism, fishing, and research. The tourism sector, in particular, benefits significantly from the reef’s popularity. Tourists flock to explore the reef’s underwater wonders, bustling with colorful corals and unique marine creatures. This influx of tourists brings economic growth to the coastal communities, providing employment opportunities for locals and supporting small businesses.

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder that must be cherished and protected. Its importance extends beyond the borders of Australia, as it plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans. Preserving the reef not only ensures the survival of countless species but also safeguards the livelihoods of those who depend on it, both economically and culturally. Understanding the significance of the Great Barrier Reef is key to implementing sustainable practices that will protect its delicate ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Economic Impact of Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef

The tourism industry surrounding the Great Barrier Reef contributes significantly to the Australian economy. It is estimated that tourism generates billions of dollars in revenue each year, supporting local communities and providing employment opportunities. The economic impact can be seen in various aspects, including direct spending by tourists, job creation, and the multiplier effect throughout the economy.

Direct spending by tourists in the Great Barrier Reef region includes expenses on accommodation, transportation, dining, and recreational activities. These expenditures inject money into the local economy, benefiting a wide range of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to souvenir shops and dive operators. In turn, these businesses employ local staff and engage in further spending, creating a ripple effect that stimulates economic growth in the region.

The tourism industry also creates jobs, both directly and indirectly. Direct employment opportunities include tour guides, dive instructors, hotel staff, and marine biologists. Additionally, indirect employment is generated when businesses in the supply chain, such as food suppliers, transportation services, and maintenance companies, benefit from the influx of tourists. These jobs provide income for local residents and contribute to the overall economic development of the area.

Furthermore, the multiplier effect of tourism creates additional economic benefits for the Great Barrier Reef region. As tourists spend money on various goods and services, local businesses generate revenue, which then circulates throughout the local economy. This circulation leads to increased income for individuals, more spending on goods and services, and ultimately, greater economic activity overall. The multiplier effect can boost not only the tourism sector but also other industries in the region.

It is important to note that the economic benefits of tourism are not evenly distributed, and there are challenges associated with leakage, where revenue generated from tourism may flow out of the local economy to international businesses. To address these concerns, it is crucial to implement sustainable tourism practices that prioritize local businesses, ensure fair distribution of the economic benefits, and minimize environmental impact.

The economic impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef cannot be overlooked. It not only brings revenue and employment opportunities but also fosters economic growth in the surrounding communities. By recognizing the importance of sustainable tourism, we can protect the reef while continuing to enjoy its beauty and contribute to the economic well-being of the region.

Environmental Impact of Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef

While tourism brings economic benefits to the Great Barrier Reef, it also poses significant environmental challenges. The sheer volume of visitors, along with their activities, can have detrimental effects on the delicate ecosystem of the reef.

One of the major environmental concerns associated with tourism is the physical damage caused by direct contact with the reef. Careless swimming, snorkeling, or diving can result in coral breakage, which disrupts the reef structure and habitat for marine life. Additionally, anchoring boats on the reef can cause further damage as the anchors scrape and break the corals. These physical impacts can take years or even decades to recover, negatively affecting the overall health and biodiversity of the reef.

The disposal of waste and pollution from tourist facilities and activities is another critical issue. Improper waste management, including the dumping of sewage and littering, can introduce harmful substances and pollutants into the marine environment. These pollutants can damage corals, lead to water contamination, and endanger marine life. It is imperative to implement effective waste management practices and educate tourists about their responsibility to minimize their ecological footprint.

The increased demand for recreational activities, such as diving and snorkeling, can also put pressure on the reef. Large numbers of visitors in concentrated areas can contribute to overuse and trampling of fragile corals. In some cases, excessive amounts of sunscreen used by tourists can contain harmful chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Efforts should be made to educate tourists about responsible behavior and promote sustainable practices to minimize impacts on the reef.

A significant concern regarding the environmental impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef is coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae that live within their tissues, leading to a loss of color and a breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae. Factors such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and increased nutrient runoff from tourism activities can trigger bleaching events. The mass bleaching events in recent years have had devastating consequences for the Great Barrier Reef, affecting not only the corals but also the entire ecosystem that relies on them.

Efforts are being made to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef. These include implementing strict regulations and guidelines for tour operators, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and conducting research to better understand and protect the reef. Initiatives such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s reef stewardship program aim to educate tourists and encourage responsible behavior while visiting the reef.

Preserving the environmental integrity of the Great Barrier Reef is crucial for its long-term survival. It requires a collective effort from both tourists and the tourism industry to minimize their impact on the reef and adopt sustainable practices. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary natural treasure.

Coral Bleaching and Tourism

Coral bleaching is a significant concern for the Great Barrier Reef, and the tourism industry plays a role in exacerbating this issue. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the colorful algae that live within their tissues, causing them to turn white or pale. This happens as a response to stress, such as increased water temperatures, pollution, or other environmental factors.

The tourism industry can contribute to coral bleaching through various means. The influx of visitors to the reef can result in increased stress on the corals due to physical contact, such as touching, stepping on, or accidentally damaging fragile corals. Additionally, coral bleaching can be worsened by the use of sunscreens containing harmful chemicals, which can be washed off into the water when snorkeling or diving. These chemicals can impact coral health and contribute to bleaching.

The warming of the oceans is a major factor driving coral bleaching, and climate change plays a significant role in this process. As global temperatures rise, so do sea surface temperatures, putting stress on the corals. The tourism industry indirectly contributes to climate change through air travel and carbon emissions from tourist transportation and accommodations, further exacerbating the issue.

While it is important to acknowledge the role tourism plays in coral bleaching, it is equally important to note that the tourism industry can also play a part in its conservation. By promoting responsible tourism practices and raising awareness among visitors, the industry can contribute positively to the preservation of the reef.

Several initiatives are being undertaken to address coral bleaching within the tourism sector. Tour operators are encouraged to educate their customers about the importance of not touching or damaging corals, using reef-friendly sunscreens, and adopting sustainable practices. Additionally, many tour operators have implemented strict guidelines and regulations to ensure visitors respect the reef and minimize their impact. By working together, the tourism industry, researchers, and conservationists can develop strategies to protect the Great Barrier Reef from the threats of coral bleaching.

Sustainable tourism practices are key to mitigating the impact of tourism on coral bleaching. This includes supporting and participating in conservation projects, supporting eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators, and contributing to research and monitoring efforts. By choosing tour operators and activities that prioritize environmental protection and adopting responsible behavior as visitors, we can help minimize our impact on the reef and contribute to its long-term health.

Coral bleaching is a pressing issue for the Great Barrier Reef, and the tourism industry has a role to play in addressing this critical problem. By acknowledging the impact of tourism on coral bleaching, implementing sustainable practices, and raising awareness among visitors, we can work towards preserving the beauty and biodiversity of this magnificent natural wonder for generations to come.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Sustainable tourism practices are vital for ensuring the long-term preservation of the Great Barrier Reef and minimizing the impact of tourism on the fragile ecosystem. By adopting sustainable practices, both tourists and the tourism industry can contribute to the conservation and protection of this unique natural treasure.

One of the key principles of sustainable tourism is minimizing the ecological footprint. This can be achieved through responsible behavior, such as not touching or damaging corals, refraining from littering, and using reef-friendly sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals. Tourists should also follow designated paths and guidelines provided by tour operators to avoid trampling on fragile marine life.

Another important aspect of sustainable tourism is supporting eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators. Choosing accommodations that have implemented sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible resource management, helps minimize the environmental impact. Similarly, selecting tour operators that prioritize sustainability, conservation, and education can ensure that tourism activities have minimal negative effects on the reef.

Engaging in educational activities and tours that promote awareness and understanding of the Great Barrier Reef is an essential part of sustainable tourism. By learning about the reef’s ecological importance and the threats it faces, tourists can develop a greater appreciation for its conservation and become advocates for its protection. Many tour operators offer educational opportunities, such as guided tours with marine biologists and interactive exhibits, to enhance visitors’ understanding of the reef and its fragile ecosystem.

Collaboration between the tourism industry, researchers, and local communities is crucial for the success of sustainable tourism practices. Undertaking research and monitoring efforts to better understand the reef’s ecosystem and implementing strategies to reduce pollution and waste are essential steps. Additionally, involving local communities in decision-making processes and empowering them to benefit economically from sustainable tourism fosters a sense of ownership and encourages the preservation of the reef for future generations.

Certification programs and accreditation schemes, such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s ECO Certification and EarthCheck, provide a framework for businesses to measure and improve their sustainability practices. These programs recognize and reward environmentally responsible operators and guide tourists in their choice of sustainable tourism activities and accommodations.

By prioritizing sustainable tourism practices, we can ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are balanced with the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. This involves adopting responsible behavior as visitors, supporting eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators, and participating in educational activities. Through these collective efforts, we can enjoy the beauty of the reef while safeguarding it for future generations to cherish and appreciate.

The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent natural wonder that holds immense ecological, cultural, and economic significance. It is vital to understand the impact of tourism on the reef and work towards sustainable practices that strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

Tourism brings significant economic benefits to the Great Barrier Reef region, generating revenue and employment opportunities for local communities. However, it also poses environmental challenges, including physical damage to the corals, pollution, and the exacerbation of coral bleaching. These impacts require urgent attention and action from both tourists and the tourism industry.

Acknowledging the importance of the Great Barrier Reef and the need to protect its delicate ecosystem is the first step towards responsible tourism. Tourists can adopt responsible behavior by respecting the reef, avoiding physical contact, and using reef-friendly sunscreens. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that prioritize sustainability further minimizes the environmental footprint of tourism.

Sustainable tourism practices also include engaging in educational activities that promote awareness and understanding of the reef. By learning about the ecological importance and threats facing the reef, tourists develop a deeper appreciation for its conservation and become advocates for its protection. Collaboration between the tourism industry, researchers, and local communities is crucial for implementing sustainable strategies and monitoring the health of the reef.

In conclusion, by implementing sustainable practices, the tourism industry and tourists alike can contribute to the long-term preservation of the Great Barrier Reef. It requires a collective effort to minimize the impact of tourism on the delicate ecosystem, while still enjoying and appreciating the natural wonders the reef has to offer. Through responsible tourism, we can ensure that the Great Barrier Reef continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.

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Impacts on the Great Barrier Reef

Our scientists are working hard to understand and find innovative ways to improve the quality of water reaching the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (the Reef).

The challenge

An icon under threat.

The Great Barrier Reef is under threat from a range of pressures with a major one being deteriorating water quality due to pollution from adjacent land use.

Rising water temperatures, increasing ocean acidification, Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS), fishing, and coastal development are also impacting the Great Barrier Reef.

CSIRO has a long legacy working on the Reef and we continue to collaborate with a wide range of partners to find novel ways to preserve, protect and improve this international treasure.

Our response

Improving land management.

Many areas of the Reef still show resilience, which presents a window of opportunity to act now, while there is still enough diversity to preserve and restore.

The Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan provides the framework that can guide policy responses, but it needs to be supported by a harnessing of Australia's world-class research capability across multiple organisations, so that we can capitalise on the Reef's resilience and ability to recover.

Preserving the Reef's ecological function by 2030 is not just about its coral reefs, but of all its ecosystems.

Between 2008 and 2017, the Australian and Queensland governments spent an estimated $600 million on improving land management with the aim of enhancing the quality of water reaching the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (the Reef). About half of the investment was allocated to reducing river loads of fine sediment and nutrients through improved land management.

We continue to work with rangeland ecologists and the grazing industry to develop practical and effective land management solutions for the Reef.

With our partners, we have defined the system of erosion and sediment transport processes connecting agricultural land with receiving water bodies. We have assisted the Australian Government to be more targeted in their programs to reduce sediment and nutrient delivery.

This research supports the current Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, through the draft Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017-2022.

[Music plays and an image appears of bushland and the camera pans over the bushland and the CSIRO logo appears in the centre of the screen]

[Image changes to show a school of fish swimming and text appears: Water Quality and the Great Barrier Reef]

[Images move through to show a tortoise swimming above the reef, a colourful fish swimming amongst coral, and then a school of fish swimming in and out coral]

Dr Rebecca Bartley: We now know that climate change is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef but we all need to work together on all of the elements that are impacting on the Reef including water quality.

[Image changes to show Dr Rebecca Bartley talking to the camera and text appears: Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO Research Scientist and Group Leader]

We’re working in the Burdiken Catchment. The Burdekin Catchment is one of the largest catchments draining on the east coast of Australia out to the Great Barrier Reef.

[Image continues to show Dr Bartley talking to the camera and then the image changes to show a school of colourful fish swimming above the reef]

It drains just south of Townsville near Aire into the marine system and it’s enormous.

[Camera pans over an aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef]

It’s 130,000 square kilometres or the same size as England.

[Images move through to show Dr Bartley talking to the camera, Brett Abbott standing in bushland collecting samples, and then the camera pans over an aerial view of bushland]

CSIRO is focussed on understanding what some of the remediation strategies are where we can actually improve land management and reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients getting out to the Reef.

[Image changes to show Dr Bartley talking to the camera then camera pans over a catchment area amongst bushland]

So, with James Cook University we’re collaboratively linking the research between solutions in the catchment and responses in the marine system.

[Image changes to show Dr Steve Lewis talking to the camera and text appears: Dr Steve Lewis, Research Scientist, TropWATER, James Cook University]

Dr Steve Lewis: We saw the floodwaters from the Burdekin River move a long way offshore in this year’s floods.

[Image shows Dr Lewis talking to the camera and then the image changes to show an aerial view of bushland and the camera pans over the bushland]

That impinged over coral reefs and also influenced sea grass meadows within the Great Barrier Reef.

[Camera pans over an aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef and then images move through of Aaron Hawdon labelling sample bottles, holding them up, and then putting them in a locked cabinet]

During these floods we were able to take a lot of samples of the sediments in the water where we were able to do some detailed experiments on those sediments to characterise them and trace them back to a source within the Burdekin Catchment.

[Image shows Aaron putting the samples in a locked cabinet and setting a pin code while out in bushland area and then the image changes to show Dr Lewis talking to the camera]

Our project really aims to characterise the sediment that causes the most harm in the Great Barrier Reef to both coral reefs and seagrass meadows. So, we can understand where that sediment is coming from in the catchment.

[Image changes to show Aaron talking to the camera then the image changes to show Brett surveying a bushland area and text appears: Aaron Hawdon, Senior Instrumentation Specialist, CSIRO Townsville]

Aaron Hawdon: We’re using laser scanning and other survey methods to measure the change in the shape of the gullies and when we look at this over time we’re actually able to investigate where the erosion is coming from.

[Image changes to show Brett surveying a bushland area and then the image changes to show Aaron talking to the camera]

We’ll also have a suite of sensors set up inside the gullies that measure how much water flows through as well as how much sediment is actually in that water.

[Image changes to show Aaron taking samples out from the locked cabinet in a bushland area and camera zooms in on the sample bottle being turned in Aaron’s hands]

So, today we’re collecting samples from our auto sampler from a gully that we’ll later take back to the lab for analysis.

[Camera zooms out on Aaron looking at the sample bottle and then turning and talking to the camera]

So, we’ll actually find out exactly how much sediment is in this water as well as how many nutrients are in there which we can then use to determine whether our treatments are working.

[Image changes to show Brett collecting data on soil and vegetation conditions while standing holding his Smartphone in a bushland area]

Brett Abbott: On the hill slopes above the gullies we measure soil surface condition and vegetation components.

[Image changes to show Brett kneeling down in long grass while talking to the camera and then the image changes to show Brett standing looking at his phone in a bushland area and text appears: Brett Abbott, Rangeland Ecologist, CSIRO Townsville]

Data we collect here is taken back to the lab and analysed against the water quality data to look at changes over time due to the landscape management.

[Image changes to show Dr Bartley talking to the camera while seated next to Dr Lewis and then the image changes and the camera pans over an aerial view of a Landcruiser moving through bushland]

Dr Rebecca Bartley: We’ve set up a very strong team of people who have expertise in collecting real time data to support decision making about where investment about remediation to improve water quality to the Reef should be placed.

[Images move through to show Aaron typing on a laptop at a testing site, using surveying equipment, and Dr Lewis talking to the camera while Rebecca listens]

Dr Steve Lewis: And it also allows us to observe the processes that are happening in our environment so we can see where the sediment’s coming from for the major tributaries as well as where the sediment and floodwaters are moving into the Great Barrier Reef where we’re able to better target our measurements, better target the investments

[Images move through to show Aaron and Brett inside the car driving through bushland, taking samples, and the car driving through the bushland again]

and it also allows us to engage with industry to be out, physically out in the field taking these samples and engaging with different landholders to show what we’re collecting and where we’ve collected that sample from and the different processes that’s involved to process those samples.

[Images move through to show an aerial view of bushland, Dr Bartley talking to the camera, a school of colourful fish swimming through the reef, divers looking at the fish, and a school of striped fish]

Dr Rebecca Bartley: When we work with people living in the regions, working in the regions, the regional bodies, state government, federal government, and the landholders themselves I think we actually have a chance of making that difference for the Great Barrier Reef into the future.

[Music plays and sponsors’ logos and text appears: CSIRO’s water quality work is conducted in partnership with James Cook University, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and National Environmental Science Programme (NESP), NQ Dry Tropics and Queensland Government]

[Text appears: Additional footage supplied by Matt Curnock, Josh McJannet, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation]

[Music plays and the CSIRO logo and text appears: CSIRO Australia's innovation catalyst]

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Besides improving water quality and land management practices, there is a range of CSIRO research underway to address all of the impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. View the extent of our Great Barrier Reef research.

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Food and Environment

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Sustainability of tourism in the great barrier reef: challenges and the way forward.

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• Acknowledgements
• Toggle view

Marine tourism impacts and their management on the Great Barrier Reef / V. J. Harriott

1876054476 (ISBN)

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http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1203482514

Harriott, V. J & CRC Reef Research Centre, issuing body. (2002). Marine tourism impacts and their management on the Great Barrier Reef Retrieved June 26, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1203482514

Harriott, V. J and CRC Reef Research Centre, issuing body. Marine tourism impacts and their management on the Great Barrier Reef Townsville, Queensland: CRC Reef Research Centre, 2002. Web. 26 June 2024 < http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1203482514 >

Harriott, V. J & CRC Reef Research Centre, issuing body. 2002, Marine tourism impacts and their management on the Great Barrier Reef CRC Reef Research Centre, Townsville, Queensland viewed 26 June 2024 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1203482514

{{Citation   | author1=Harriott, V. J.   | author2=CRC Reef Research Centre, issuing body.   | title= Marine tourism impacts and their management on the Great Barrier Reef   | year=2002   | section=1 online resource (41 pages) : charts.   | isbn=1876054476   | series=CRC Reef Research technical report ;   | location=Townsville, Queensland   | publisher=CRC Reef Research Centre   | url= http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1203482514   | id= nla.obj-1203482514   | access-date=26 June 2024   | via=Trove }}

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The biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef

Climate change is the single biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, as it is to many ecosystems around the world.  The cumulative impact of climate change, land run-off and other threats is testing the ability of the Reef to recover from major disturbances.

Climate change

The most dramatic impact of climate change is on coral and other species. Increasing water temperature is one of the main causes of coral bleaching, which is becoming more common. If these events are severe and frequent enough to hinder recovery, coral can die. Scientists know that sea surface temperatures of the Great Barrier Reef have increased by 0.8°C (on average) since the late 19 th century and will continue to rise.

The indirect threats are just as great. Climate change is predicted to increase the intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods.

Linked with climate change is ocean ‘acidification’, which is caused by the oceans absorbing about a quarter of all carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) released into the atmosphere. The higher the levels of atmospheric CO 2 , the greater the impact on water quality.

Land run-off

Poor water quality, including nutrients, sediments and pesticides flowing from the land to the Great Barrier Reef from activities like agriculture, is a major threat.

Nutrients as they occur naturally in Reef ecosystems are vital. They are the natural chemical elements and compounds that plants and animals need to grow. However, if excessive amounts of nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, are brought in through land run-off, this can upset the natural balance of the Reef systems.

Impacts can include increased coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, increased macroalgae abundance and algal blooms which can take over and reduce coral diversity, and reduced light available for corals and seagrasses. Excess nutrients can also increase coral bleaching susceptibility and coral disease.

Studies show that most of the excess dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus comes from fertiliser use on land. These nutrients are of greatest concern because they are immediately and completely available for uptake by marine plants. Annual discharge of nutrients from catchment land use has more than doubled since European settlement.

Sediments, like nutrients, are a natural part of Reef ecosystems, but they are also one of the biggest pressures on the health of inshore reefs and seagrass. Again, problems arise when excessive amounts of the wrong type of sediments find their way into the system. In this case, ’wrong’ refers to the very fine sediments that remain suspended in the water and can be transported long distances.

This leads to increased turbidity and decreased water clarity (the water looks muddy), which in turn reduces the amount of light that reaches seagrasses and coral, stunting their growth. When this sediment settles, it can also have detrimental effects on the early life stages of corals – even smothering coral and seagrasses in more extreme conditions. Sediment can also carry nutrients into the Reef environment.

Studies have shown that the vast majority of these unwanted fine sediments are washed into the sea from grazing activities or streambank erosion, and the impact is greater during floods.

Pesticides are a threat because what they are designed to do on land – kill pests such as  weeds and insects – means they also impact plants and animals in rivers and creeks, as well as some coastal and inshore areas. The pesticides commonly used for weed control act by inhibiting photosynthesis, which is why they are so good at controlling weeds, and can affect non-target species such as seagrasses.

Pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, are generally not found in the natural environment and can take months or even years to break down. They are carried in river run-off and have been detected in Great Barrier Reef ecosystems at concentrations high enough to affect organisms.

The effects of ongoing low-level pesticide exposures in inshore environments are unknown but likely to impact coral fertility and reproduction. Less is known of the effect on freshwater, wetland and estuarine ecosystems, although the proximity of these ecosystems to pesticide sources suggests some impacts are likely.

Except for a few locations, monitoring of pesticides in marine waters shows they are below the level expected to cause significant risk to ecosystems.

The effects of ongoing low-level pesticide exposures are continuing to be researched.

Other threats

The other greatest threats to the Reef are coastal development, some remaining impacts of fishing and illegal fishing and poaching.

Outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish are also a big concern.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef but when found in large numbers, and when coral is under stress, they can quite simply destroy corals by eating their living tissue or ‘skin’. Research shows that coral cover on surveyed reefs fell by 50% between 1985 and 2012 and that crown-of-thorns starfish were responsible for almost half of this decline.

There have been four documented outbreaks on the Reef since the 1960s, occurring on roughly a 17-year cycle. The latest started in 2010 and a control program is in place.

However, the threat of future damage is increasing because the Reef is now under greater stress than ever before, reducing its ability to recover. Scientists believe one of the causes of that stress – increased nutrient levels – may also increase crown-of-thorns outbreaks.

This is how tourists are destroying coral reefs in Hawaii

The less people at a certain site, the more coral there are, the research found.

The millions of tourists who flock to the shores of Hawaii every year are wreaking havoc on its natural environment -- especially the coral reefs, which are at risk all over the world, a new study said.

The most popular coral reefs on the Hawaiian islands are likely being degraded by the very visitors they attract, according to a study published Monday in Nature Sustainability .

MORE: World Oceans Day 2022: How climate change and warming waters are affecting the health of the oceans

Researchers from Princeton University combed through more than 250,000 geotagged Instagram posts from 2018 to 2021 by tourists visiting Hawaiian reefs and compared them with flyover maps of live coral cover. They then used artificial intelligence to analyze reef map images at about a 2-meter resolution, or about 6.5 feet, and 16-meter, or 52.5-feet, depth, according to the study.

Bing Lin, a PhD candidate in science, technology and environmental policy at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs and the lead author of the study, got the idea to use social media for the research after doing fieldwork in Hawaii in 2021 and realizing that one of the first things people do when they visit a site is to take a photo and post it to Instagram, he told ABC News.

"They take pictures of the beaches, and they post on social media," he said. "Instagram is by far the main platform through which social media presence is documented, and so I came up with the idea of using Instagram to get a sense of a large-scale representation of where people are distributed in Hawaii."

MORE: More coral bleaching at Great Barrier Reef, Australia confirms

The scientists found that the accessible sites with more live coral cover were visited more often, but that at the popular sites, coral covers were more degraded compared to those at less popular sites, the paper states.

"We were able to find that coral reefs not only played a really significant role in attracting tourism, but also that the tourism subsequently seemed to suppress live coral coverage at the sites in which tourism was most concentrated," Lin said.

While tourism is mostly concentrated on the shoreline, with lots of activity on the beach, many tourists end up on excursions in which they venture further into the ocean for snorkeling or scuba diving, Lin said.

Using keywords included in captions and hashtags, such as "#scubadiving," Lin was also able to determine a certain degree of interaction with the reefs. Corals tended to thrive farther out into the water, where there are less people, Lin said.

MORE: Discovery of 'pristine' coral reef near Tahiti could help save dying coral reefs around the world, scientist says

The degradation can happen in the form of diver contact, when divers intentionally or accidentally come in contact with the reefs, as well as elevated pollution in areas that tourists frequent, Lin said.

Places in Oahu in Honolulu County, such as Waikiki Beach, Waimea Bay, Lanikai Beach and Shark's Cove, were among the biggest spots for degraded reefs, Lin said. Areas on the Big Island were also among the sites with the most degraded coral, he added.

Coral reefs are vulnerable all over the world due to ocean water warming and pollution. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2021 found that coral reefs could stop growing in 10 years unless greenhouse gases are significantly reduced.

Coral bleaching, a process that occurs when water is too warm and the algae the corals expel from their tissues cause them to turn completely white, is inundating reefs all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

MORE: Coral reefs could stop growing in 10 years unless greenhouse gases are significantly reduced, new study says

In addition to their biodiversity and beauty, coral reefs serve as vital ecosystems, nurture fisheries and protect coasts.

Included in the reef tourism industry should be a method to incentivize conservation by generating funds and supporting local livelihoods focused on protecting the reefs. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set goals to promote sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, but tourists can harm live corals directly or indirectly, such as by polluting the surrounding sea.

"The impacts of tourism is detectable across hundreds of sites," Lin said.

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'Urgent' for Australia to protect Great Barrier Reef: UNESCO

Australia must take "urgent" action to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including setting more ambitious climate targets, the UN's cultural organization has warned.

In a draft decision, UNESCO also asked Australia to submit an update on protection efforts early next year, but stopped short of recommending the reef be placed on its list of endangered heritage sites.

The decision, released late Monday, was welcomed by Australia's Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek as a "huge win".

"We are acting on climate change , improving local water quality, protecting our marine life , dealing with invasive species , and investing a record amount of money into reef programs," she said in a statement Tuesday.

But the UNESCO decision, which will guide a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi next month, warns the world's largest coral system "remains under serious threat."

"Urgent and sustained action is of utmost priority," it added.

The fate of the reef has been a recurrent source of tension between UNESCO and Australian authorities, with the World Heritage Committee threatening to put the world's largest coral system on its list of "in danger" global heritage sites.

Behind-the-scenes diplomacy and lobbying from Australia have avoided such a move and commitments from the Labour government of Anthony Albanese have drawn praise from the Paris-based organization.

The draft decision welcomed some of the steps taken by Australia, including on water quality around the reef and restrictions on gill-net fishing.

But it expressed "high concern" about land clearing threatening water quality , and said Australia should "set more ambitious emission reduction targets."

Citing the ongoing mass bleaching of the reef, it asked for an update by next February, rebuffing Australia's request to wait until 2026.

It also urged Australia to make public "as soon as possible" details on reef mortality rates in the latest round of bleaching.

Plibersek said the agency had recognized Australian efforts to protect the reef.

"Today's draft decision is a huge win for Queensland, a huge win for the thousands of people who rely on the reef for work, and a huge win for all the plants and animals that call it home," she said.

Environmental groups, however, said the UNESCO decision should be a "wake-up call".

"UNESCO has asked Australia to set more ambitious climate targets, and given us a February 2025 deadline to submit a progress report—the clock is ticking," said Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter.

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia also released new images on Tuesday showing bleached and dead coral on the reef.

The group urged Australia to commit to a federal emissions reduction target of at least 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2035 and to stop approving new fossil fuel projects.

Australia currently targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

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Ramp up targets to save reef, UNESCO tells Australia

A United Nations body has told Australia to ramp up its climate change targets and get serious about land clearing if it wants to save the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia has been given another reprieve after UNESCO recommended the World Heritage-listed reef be left off the in-danger list for now.

But it's warned Australia must pursue urgent, sustained action on key threats, including more ambitious action on climate change after the reef's fifth mass bleaching event in eight years.

"The State Party should be urged to set more ambitious emission reduction targets consistent with limiting global temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels," UNESCO said in a draft decision released early on Tuesday.

"It is clear that the property remains under serious threat, and urgent and sustained action is of utmost priority in order to improve the resilience of the property in a rapidly changing climate."

The draft decision will inform the World Heritage Committee when it meets in July to formally consider the matter of an in-danger listing.

UNESCO also pointed to ongoing water quality problems, saying land clearing in reef catchments remained a major issue, with tougher laws needed.

"High levels of land clearing are incompatible with the objectives set out to reverse poor water quality."

Australia will have to provide another progress report on its management efforts in February next year, and again in February 2026 after which the World Heritage Committee "could consider the inclusion of the property on the list of World Heritage in Danger".

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the draft decision was a "huge win" for Queensland, jobs and nature.

"I feel enormously relieved because, of course, there's tens of thousands of jobs that rely on the Great Barrier Reef, for tourism in particular," she told Nine's Today program.

"This is also a really strong acknowledgement of the effort and, of course, the money that Australia has put into protecting the Great Barrier Reef."

UNESCO did acknowledge the money being spent on reef resilience and the progress made in some areas, including the phasing out of gillnet fishing.

But the Australian Marine Conservation Society said no one should be relieved, pointing to UNESCO's sobering comments about climate change and other enduring reef threats.

"They are clearly saying to Australia 'your current target is not aligned with 1.5C' and that's what scientists have been saying," reef campaigner Lissa Schindler said.

"Their target is aligned with 2C and that's the end of coral reefs worldwide.

"Expressing relief is surprising."

Dr Schindler also pointed to UNESCO's commentary about land clearing, which remains significant despite some progress to drive down the rate of vegetation loss.

A recent report by the federal and Queensland governments found 47,519 hectares of land was cleared in reef catchments in the four years to 2021, undermining the impact of the hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on water quality programs.

The same report also found there has been poor progress on two key water quality threats driven by agriculture: dissolved inorganic nitrogen from fertiliser use and sediment loads.

"It's pretty clear the Great Barrier Reef is under extreme pressure and UNESCO's response echoes that, and the concerns of everyone around the world," Dr Schindler said.

"The reef is in trouble."

• Environment
• Natural Wonders

Revealing images of the Great Barrier Reef depict the stark reality of ongoing coral bleaching

These picturesque underwater scenes may seem idyllic at first glance, but closer inspection reveals crucial evidence hidden in plain sight.

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These picturesque underwater scenes may seem idyllic at first glance, but what’s in them actually reveals devastating damage to on one of Australias most iconic national treasures.

The Great Barrier Reef, located along the coastline of Queensland, is the world’s largest and longest coral reef system. Averaging about the same size as Japan or Italy, it is made up of more than 3000 individual reefs.

Tourists flock from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the reef, many of them photographing the underwater wonder on their travels. But scientists have warned there is an urgent need to capture images of the reef and it’s not just for holiday albums or Instagram.

Citizens of the Reef (COTR) head of engagement Nicole Senn said on average only about 2 to 5 per cent of the reef is surveyed for ongoing damage cause by bleaching events.

The conservation organisation, on the tropical north east coast of Far North Queensland uses its annual Great Reef Census to survey the reef by collecting and analysing thousand of images from “citizen scientists”, and this year Ms Senn said it was “crucial” to scale up efforts.

COTR aims to aid the protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and reefs all over the world, using tech, data and a new collaborative approach to conservation.

Chief executive Andy Ridley, who is also a co-founder and CEO of Earth Hour, has led the charge for the The Great Reef Census , a ground-breaking initiative to survey the far reaches of the 2300 km Great Barrier Reef, which has become one of the world’s largest marine citizen science efforts.

What is the census, and why is it important for me to know about it?

The census is now in its fourth year, and Ms Senn encourages all Australians to join in its efforts to save the reef, by signing up to help them reach its goal of processing and examining 150,000 images.

“We really need to scale up our conservation efforts on the reef, it’s very difficult and expensive for just scientists to go out and survey all these areas of the reef,” she said.

“By mobilising the community and getting them out there taking photos, providing data to scientists and then also helping with the analysis by processing that data we can rapidly get results back to scientists”.

COTR is also a world-wide census where members of the general public can participate in analysing photos taken of the Great Barrier Reef and assist in the scientific research carried out on Australia’s reef system.

“We’ve almost hit 100,000 analyses on our platform, but we’re hoping to hit 150,000 before we can pass on that data. We’re really calling on people across Australia and around the world to sign up and help us analyse these images,” Ms Senn said.

How does The Great Reef Census work?

Images taken for the census will initially be analysed using an artificial intelligence (AI) powered system, which analyses the images to about 70 percent accuracy.

The next phase is for the citizen scientists who sign up, to help process those images in a second round of analysing, and identify three key coral types COTR is looking for.

“By labelling these key coral types in the images, we’re able to then pass data onto scientists quickly, so that we can help identify these key source reefs,” Ms Senn said.

“AI analyses them (images) within 70 per cent accuracy, but then having citizen scientists come on to help verify the AI, we’re actually getting to within 90 per cent accuracy of experts.

“It is a really efficient and accurate way of processing data quickly, each image needs to be analysed at least five times to get that level of accuracy.”

Aerial surveys are conducted to check the reefs, focusing on “reef flats”, while useful, these surveys only show what is happening up to about two meters deep.

Therefore, it is critical for the census to gather data from deeper within the coral beds.

“When big bleaching events happen, like it did in 2016 and 2017, aerial surveys carry out what’s called ‘reef flats’ which gives us an idea of what’s happening on the reef, but it’s really only recording maybe two metres deep,” Ms Senn said.

The problem with analysing the reef on the first two metres alone, results in “variable” data because the coral in the shallower waters is the easiest and most susceptible to bleaching and damage, according to Ms Senn.

“Bleaching events do give you a sort of bitter feeling, you know, like you feel a bit hopeless,” she said.

Who’s Jumping In?

Students from a “tiny town” more than 2000 km away from the Far North Queensland coast line have eagerly turned down their daily allocated gaming time, instead opting to help save The Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

Grade five and six students from Hahndorf Primary School in South Australia were all a buzz when they were told by their senior unit teacher Alison Marsh they would become “citizen scientists” through analysing photos taken of the iconic reef in this year’s Great Reef Census (GRC).

“We’re a long way from the Great Barrier Reef, we’re a little tiny SA school, 200 students. One of our kids who’s top of the leaderboard has done 1734 images himself,” Ms Marsh said.

“Students have told me when they get home they have asked to trade their gaming time to do the census instead and parents are now joining in, so it’s also become families doing it.”

This is the first time the small South Australian school has participating in the census.

Many of their students have never been to the reef, yet their commitment to preserving this natural wonder is clear through their dedication to analysing reef photos.

More Coverage

“By participating in the census, it shows the kids you can actually make a difference, because we’re miles and miles away from the reef, but what they’re doing is really making an impact,” Ms Marsh said.

Ms Senn said it has been incredible to see the dedication and enthusiasm these students have shown with analysisng the census reef images.

“Through this programme with school students, seeing their passion and hope and the motivation they have, it’s so fulfilling, it reignites you,” she said.

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'Like wildfires underwater': Worst summer on record for Great Barrier Reef as coral die-off sweeps planet

As the early-morning sun rises over the Great Barrier Reef, its light pierces the turquoise waters of a shallow lagoon, bringing more than a dozen turtles to life.

These waters that surround Lady Elliot Island, off the eastern coast of Australia, provide some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world — but they are also on the front line of the climate crisis, as one of the first places to suffer a mass coral bleaching event that has now spread across the world.

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The Great Barrier Reef just experienced its worst summer on record, and the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced last month that the world is undergoing a rare global mass coral bleaching event — the fourth since the late 1990s — impacting at least 53 countries.

The corals are casualties of surging global temperatures which have smashed historical records in the past year — caused mainly by fossil fuels driving up carbon emissions and accelerated by the El Niño weather pattern, which heats ocean temperatures in this part of the world.

CNN witnessed bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in mid-February, on five different reefs spanning the northern and southern parts of the 2,300-kilometer (1,400-mile) ecosystem.

“What is happening now in our oceans is like wildfires underwater,” said Kate Quigley, principal research scientist at Australia’s Minderoo Foundation. “We’re going to have so much warming that we’re going to get to a tipping point, and we won’t be able to come back from that.”

Bleaching occurs when marine heatwaves put corals under stress, causing them to expel algae from their tissue, draining their colour. Corals can recover from bleaching if the temperatures return to normal, but they will perish if the water stays warmer than usual.

“It’s a die-off,” said Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a climate scientist at the University of Queensland in Australia and chief scientist at The Great Barrier Reef Foundation. “The temperatures got so warm, they’re off the charts … they never occurred before at this sort of level.”

The destruction of marine ecosystems would deliver an effective death sentence for around a quarter of all species that depend on reefs for survival — and threaten an estimated billion people who rely on reef fish for their food and livelihoods. Reefs also provide vital protection for coastlines, reducing the impact of floods, cyclones and sea level rise.

“Humanity is being threatened at a rate by which I’m not sure we really understand,” Hoegh-Guldberg said.

‘I just pray the corals will come back’

After taking off from Brisbane just after dawn, our tiny propeller plane skims miles of Queensland coastline before heading north out over the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea –— revealing the beauty of this vast reef system beneath its surface.

Our destination is Lady Elliot Island, a remote coral cay perched on top of the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.

Pilot Peter Gash is the island’s leaseholder, and his family has been operating tours to the island for nearly 20 years.

“We made it our life’s work,” Gash said. “My wife and I married, I went and learned to fly airplanes so I could bring people here.”

Gash negotiates his small aircraft through bumpy crosswinds to land safely on the short, grass-covered runway.

Decades ago, the island was a barren landscape devoid of vegetation following years of mining for nutrient-rich seabird waste — known as guano — in the late 1800s.

The Gash family set about bringing this island back to life, planting around 10,000 native species of trees to create a man-made forest and nature reserve, and using solar power, batteries and a water desalination system to support a small eco-tourism resort.

The island is now home to up to 200,000 sea birds, which have helped to regenerate the coral reef fringing the island.

“If we can recover this small place, this little circle, we can recover this big place — this whole planet,” Gash said. “That’s what really drives me, is to try and encourage people to know that it’s not hopeless, it can be done.”

Gash takes CNN on a snorkel tour, diving down to explore the underwater rainforest in his backyard. The vibrant coral colonies burst with colour and teem with hundreds of species including manta rays, reef sharks, clown fish and turtles.

When the island’s greatest enthusiast resurfaces to draw a breath, even he can’t hide his shock at the extent of the coral bleaching.

“It’s worse than I thought it would be,” Gash said, as he treaded water on the surface. “I just pray the corals will come back next year.”

‘Silent as a graveyard’

Beyond the Great Barrier Reef, the massive marine heatwave sweeping the globe has already impacted some of the world’s most famous coral reefs — including those in the Red Sea, Indonesia and the Seychelles.

Last year, the soaring ocean temperatures also caused widespread destruction of corals in the Caribbean and Florida — and US experts are predicting further damage there this coming summer.

“I am becoming increasingly concerned about the 2024 summer for the wider Caribbean and Florida,” said Derek Manzello, the coordinator for NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program.

• Top climate and environment headlines, all in one place

“It won’t take much additional seasonal warming to push temperatures past the bleaching threshold.”

In February, the NOAA added three new levels to its coral bleaching alert maps, to enable scientists to assess the new scale of underwater warming.

Scientists hope the stark images of mass bleaching events — and the bleak predictions for longer-term coral reef survival — will jolt world leaders into aggressive action to lower carbon emissions by moving away from fossil fuels.

Researchers are also trying to buy some time for coral reefs until the world can bring emissions under control.

For the past six years, Peter Harrison and his team at Southern Cross University in New South Wales have been developing a “coral IVF” program to increase coral reproduction on the reef. The researchers use fishing nets to capture the spawn of healthy breeding coral, then they grow the larvae in floating pools before releasing them onto damaged areas of the reef to help spur recovery.

“We’ve got to act now to keep corals alive on as many reefs as possible around the planet,” Harrison said.

Research projects are also taking place at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) looking at breeding heat-resistant corals which can survive higher temperatures, and developing AI tools to try to make some of the processes scalable for the vast size of the reef.

The Australian government has faced criticism for pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into myriad reef research projects, while simultaneously doubling down on the use and production of the fossil fuels which drive climate change — even approving the opening of four new coal mines in 2023.

“We have this dreadful dissonance that Australia is mining, selling to be burned at great scale, and at great speed the very thing, the very pollution that is driving the destruction of this beautiful place,” David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia, told CNN on the top deck of a boat near Briggs Reef, in the northern Great Barrier Reef.

Australia has committed to sourcing 82 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and has legislated a pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. But that pace of transition is too slow for many activists, who point out that the planet still has years of warming to come from carbon pollution already released into the atmosphere.

“The truth is that more disasters supercharged by climate change have been baked into the system,” Ritter said.

Scientists predict that, at the current pace of warming, global average temperatures could be 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2050. At that level of heat, 99 per cent of coral reefs will simply die.

For the marine biologists witnessing this die-off, there’s a real sense of mourning.

Everyone connected to the reef is “wrestling” with feelings of grief and helplessness, said David Wachenfeld, research program director at AIMS.

“Coral reefs are at least a canary in the coal mine for climate change,” he said. “The trajectory that we’re on now is really quite scary.”

Harrison, the researcher at Southern Cross University, described it as “ecological grief.”

“If you swim over a reef system that a few months before was vibrant, colourful — the sounds of the reef were incredible,” he said.

“And you swim back over it, and the whole thing is like a graveyard. It’s as silent as a graveyard.”

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