Australia allocates millions to protect Great Barrier Reef – Early Birds

The Australian government is allocating another A$192 million (€116 million) to the Great Barrier Reef. The money will go towards improving water quality and protecting and managing the world's largest coral reef.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek described poor water quality as “one of the biggest threats” to the health of the world-famous coral reef. “Poor water quality not only affects seagrasses, mangroves and reef-dependent species, it also makes it harder for corals to recover after bleaching,” she said.

The new program aims, among other things, to reduce the flow of pesticides and nutrients from agricultural land into the Great Barrier Reef. Action must also be taken against invasive species that damage soils and wetlands, which play a “critical role” in determining the quality of water flowing into the reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is 2,300 kilometres long and home to more than 600 species of coral and 1,625 species of fish. The area has seen significant coral bleaching this year and in recent years, driven by rising water temperatures. By 2024, 81% of the reef will have suffered bleaching. Recovery is still possible.

UNESCO warns of the risks to the Great Barrier Reef from bleaching and believes the Australian government must take urgent action. The reef is “critically endangered” according to the United Nations. Canberra has pledged to spend A$1.2 billion to protect the area along its east coast.