The
Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009
identified climate change as one of the greatest threats
to the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef. It is a priority for marine park managers to understand
the risks and work with partners to build the resilience of the Reef and the industries and communities that depend on it.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has been implementing its Great Barrier Reef
Climate Change Action Plan
since 2007. Under the Action Plan, a
Reef Health Incident Response System
is in place to help the GBRMPA detect any
reef health incidents such as coral bleaching events or disease outbreaks. It also provides important information
to guide management actions following incidents.
A range of
environmental conditions
can lead to coral bleaching, disease and damage, however it is well established
that higher-than-normal sea temperatures are the primary cause of bleaching. ReefTemp plays a crucial role in the
Reef Health Incident Response System by providing the GBRMPA with an early warning of excessive and persistent
higher-than-normal sea surface temperature conditions, which indicate sea temperatures are approaching levels
that are known to be stressful to corals.
When
responding
to reef health events, the GBRMPA, partner agencies, researchers, and tourism operators can use this tool
to focus research and monitoring efforts, increase the efficiency of impact assessment programmes, and heighten awareness within the community.
For more information please visit the GBRMPA
website.
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