Floods Threaten The Great Barrier Reef - Advice For Travellers

Summary: Floodwaters present a high risk to the Barrier Reef, as they contain toxic sediments. Experts predict that it will take the reef up to 100 years to recover, however tourist spots on the reef will remain largely unaffected.

Will the event affect tourist activity?

Due to the salinity of the water and the severe weather at this stage, tourists are advised to keep their distance from this attraction. This is not only due to reduced visibility in the water, but also because the saltiness of the water can cause harm to all living things.

However, there is no indication that future recreational activity, including fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving, will be affected by the damage to the reef.

How will the corals and marine life be affected?

Given the prevailing tides and south easterly winds, the polluted waters are likely to continue moving north. Experts predict that the floodwaters will to some extent affect the reefs stretching 1,500 kilometers from Frazer Island (200 kilometres north of Brisbane) to Cairns.

The sediment and pesticides from agricultural run-off, and trace metals from flooded mines, together with fresh water, nutrients and high temperatures, are due to impact organisms in the following ways:

• Corals and sea grasses will be contaminated
• Smaller coral reef fish could die (bigger fish can swim away)
• Corals will undergo bleaching - a process where coral organisms die leaving a white skeletal structure
• Long-term algae blooms could occur
• Dugongs, turtles and other marine animals are likely to struggle for survival

Who to contact:

If you would like to know more about this situation, or find out how you can make a difference, you can contact either of the following organisations:

• The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Phone them directly on + 61 7 4750 0700
• World WildLife Fund (WWF) UK - Give them a call on 01483 426444

Long-term effects:

The floods come after weeks of torrential rains throughout the Queensland state, which experienced its wettest ever December, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Climate scientists attribute the excessive rainfall to the latest La Niña weather event. This involved the cooling of the central and eastern Pacific, causing wetter conditions in eastern Australia.

The World WildLife Fund (WWF) maintains that damage to the Great Barrier Reef will be exacerbated due to the floods being more severe, dangerous and unsanitary. This also relates to excessive tree clearing, overgrazing and soil compaction in the region.

However, experts do expect the reef to recover, but this will depend on the coral's resilience. It could take up to 100 years to see the reef fully functional and thriving again.

General Manager of The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Andrew Skeats, said that large areas of reef popular with tourists are still largely unaffected.

The Great Barrier Reef contributes $5.4 billion (£3.4 billion) to the Australian economy annually from recreational use and tourism.