The Great Barrier Reef Urgently Needs Your Support - Here's How You Ca

The Funds Generated by Visitors to Australia's Greatest Natural Wonder Are Being Used for Vital Research

Picture this: one of the world's most mesmerising natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, sprawled out like a vibrant underwater metropolis, bustling with life. The Reef is a marvel to behold, covering an area of approximately 133,000 square kilometres—larger than the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands combined. Yet, recent headlines have been less about its kaleidoscopic splendour and more about its dire state, with cries of it "dying" or even "dead".

The narrative around the Reef needs to be clearer. On one side, there's the urgency to see it before it's too late, a phenomenon known as 'last chance tourism.' This term, coined by a 2017 study in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, refers to the increasing number of visitors who are driven by the fear that the destinations they love may not be there in the future. This is a real concern for the Great Barrier Reef, which is facing significant challenges. On the other side, some argue that visiting it is irresponsible. But here's a nugget of truth: only 7% of this vast area is used for tourism. Moreover, since 1997, no new operator licenses have been granted, and visitor numbers are meticulously managed.

Now, let's not sugarcoat it—the Reef faces significant challenges. Rising sea temperatures and frequent bleaching events have wreaked havoc, as have fierce storms and the voracious Crown-of-thorns starfish, which feasts on coral polyps. These challenges are not to be taken lightly, but they are not insurmountable. With the right conservation efforts and responsible tourism, we can help the Reef recover and thrive.

Cairns, the gateway to the Reef in Tropical North Queensland, is about a 90-minute journey from most dive sites. This ride offers ample time to chat with seasoned experts like Alan Wallish, MD and Founder of Passions of Paradise catamaran. With three decades of experience, Wallish's passion for the Reef is palpable. On the day of our excursion, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) reported yet another mass coral bleaching event—the fifth since 2016. Despite these challenges, the experience of diving into the vibrant, silent world of the Reef is truly unparalleled. It's an adventure that not only allows you to witness the beauty of the Reef but also to actively contribute to its preservation.

"This will be the headline," Wallish remarked, "but there's more to the story than doom and gloom." For instance, many believe that bleached coral is dead coral, but this isn't necessarily true. Wallish explains, "When temperatures rise, coral expels the algae that give it colour, but if temperatures drop, they can recover and have done so repeatedly." Coral can be surprisingly resilient. Despite the challenges it faces, the Great Barrier Reef is not giving up. It's a testament to the power of nature's resilience and our collective efforts to protect it.

Great Barrier Reef: Vital Stats

Approximately 2 million visitor days were recorded in 2023 (although some of these are multi-day/ live-aboard visitors, so the total number of visitors is less).

Number of operators

730 operators conduct tourism on 7 per cent of the Reef.

In a promising move, the Australian Government pledged in 2022-23 to invest a substantial AU$1 billion in the GBR by 2029-30. This commitment underscores the ongoing support for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.

In 2022, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) recorded the highest increase in coral cover since it began monitoring 36 years ago, climbing to 33% from 26% in 2021.

According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, shallow-water corals have diminished by as much as 50 per cent in the past seven years. 

Back in 1997, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, as part of the Federal Government's $15.1 million Tourism Reef Protection initiative, launched the Eye on the Reef program—a citizen science endeavour. This program allows visitors to actively contribute to the conservation of the Reef. Initially offered as a weekly add-on, the Passions of Paradise tour now operates daily due to high demand. Armed with a waterproof clipboard and guided by a Master Reef Guide, I immersed myself in a vivid, silent world, conducting surveys to contribute to a central data hub. This is just one example of how tourists can directly contribute to the preservation of the Reef during their visit.

Our findings? Fish aplenty, weaving through the colourful coral, with even sea cucumbers—affectionately known as the "janitors of the sea"—playing their part in maintaining reef health. Yet, back at Cairns' Marlin Marina, the bustling throngs of tourists can feel overwhelming. The sheer number of boats can seem unsustainable, raising concerns about over-tourism. 

However, tourists play a crucial role in the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. They contribute a 'reef tax' to their exploration costs, funnelled directly into replanting and research efforts. Many tour operators are fervent advocates for the Reef's health and regeneration, striving to balance tourism with conservation and awareness. By visiting the Reef responsibly, you are not only experiencing its beauty but also directly supporting its preservation.

Like reefs worldwide, the Great Barrier Reef is in peril. Its proximity to the fiercely protected World Heritage Site, the Daintree Rainforest, makes its plight even more poignant. It's disheartening to think that the actions of those who may never visit the Reef can impact its health more than those who do so responsibly. The time to act is now. Your visit and your support can make a significant difference in the preservation of this natural wonder.

But there's hope and a way to make a difference. Explore the Great Barrier Reef and support its preservation.

Ready to dive into a world of wonder while making a positive impact? Plan your visit with eDataSIM and ensure your journey supports vital research and conservation efforts.