Great Barrier Reef's existence threatend by climate change, fishing: Study

A new study on the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland has raised several questions about the future of the largest living organism in the world. The report authored by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, is the most comprehensive report on the reef undertaken and focuses on the effects of climate change, pollution, coastal habitat and fishing.

Starfish on coral. Tourists often photograph the natural beauty of the reef.

The report points out that the rise in carbon emissions has increased the acidity of the oceans and stunted coral growth. It goes on to warn that the catastrophic damage this may set off may not be preventable.

Up to 90 per cent of the pollution on the reef is due to farming and the state government's efforts are directed towards halving this in five years.

A separate report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science also points to some worrying developments. The report released on Wednesday says ocean temperatures on northern parts of the reef had been a degree above average in the winter which spells a bad year for coral bleaching.

According to Australia's environment minister Peter Garrett, it is known that a failure to act on dangerous climate change puts at risk significant places including the Great Barrier Reef and the report provides a confirmation of the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.

Bleaching occurs when the tiny plant-like coral organisms die, usually due to warmer temperatures, leaving behind only a white limestone reef skeleton.