You know, it's bizarre, we grew up watching all the Discovery Channel stuff about the Great Barrier Reef—the largest living thing on earth, and we'd heard all about it, and we felt we had some understanding about the reef, but until we actually went down there and saw it firsthand we couldn't really appreciate it—just how enormous it is, the scope and complexity of it, and its fragile state.
We spent a few days exploring the Whitsunday Islands, sailing to Whitehaven and Chalkies Beach, lounging on silica powdery beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush rainforests, and diving the Great Barrier Reef. The marine life took us aback. It was almost too little at times. Over the course of a dive at Bait Reef Marine Park, it became obvious that the reef was in varying states of health and degradation. We dove in areas that were completely dead, nothing but white rubble devoid of any fish life at all.
The list of places that can compete with the beauty of the Reef is short, and there is no doubt that it's under serious threat from climate change.
And although the Australian Government is investing in initiatives to protect and build the resilience of the Reef, there are quiet reef warriors taking matters into their own hands, one reef at a time. This includes the work of Peter Gash, who has successfully managed the regeneration of flora and fauna on Lady Elliot Island while developing the island’s renewable energy resources. The island, a hot spot for manta rays, now plays host to thousands of nesting seabirds, and over 80% of the island’s energy requirements are now sourced from a combined solar and battery storage system.
Environmentalist Libby Edge's Eco Barge Clean Seas program has been removing plastic waste from the Whitsunday Islands for almost 10 years helping to save the lives of marine animals, as well as educating locals to reduce land-based litter in the tropical north. And both Col McKenzie and his wife have been fighting for the Reef since the 1990s.
- Be a sustainable tourist when visiting any reef. Many of the tour operators are eco-certified, so make sure to check before booking.
- Reduce your plastic use. We don’t need more plastic in our oceans and we should avoid its use altogether where we can.
- Reduce your emissions. Next time you’re heading out, think about how to take the most sustainable route. If you’re able to, consider walking or riding to your destination.
- Vote on ocean issues. Electing public officials that support good ocean policies can help us protect marine life and our oceans.
- Go explore the oceans around you! “People protect what they love.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau