Great Southern Reef facts for kids
The term Great Southern Reef (GSR) is a 21st century name given to a system of interconnected temperate rocky reefs which spans the southern coast of continental Australia, Tasmania and reaches north to Brisbane and Kalbarri (in the east and west, respectively). It covers 71,000 km2 and straddles five states, running almost 8,000 kilometers.
Description
Kelp forests are a defining feature of the reef system. The reef supports economic activities along Australia's southern coastline, such as commercial and recreational fishing, scuba diving, surfing and other tourism. These activities contribute at least $10 billion to the Australian economy each year. Biologically, it is a unique temperate marine ecosystem, with 30 to 80% of its species found nowhere else.
Origins
The name "Great Southern Reef" was proposed by a group of researchers from the University of Western Australia in order to raise awareness about temperate Australian reefs. They hope that this will increase interest in studying and protecting "the reef". The term first appeared in Australian news media in September 2015, following the publication of a scientific paper in Marine and Freshwater Research, first presented in June 2015. The paper was entitled "The 'Great Southern Reef’: social, ecological and economic value of Australia’s neglected kelp forests" and was written by Scott Bennett, Thomas Wernberg, Sean D. Connell, Alistair J. Hobday, Craig R. Johnson and Elvira S. Poloczanska.
Oil drilling
There have been proposals for oil and gas exploration in the Great Australian Bight, and there are concerns that this could impact on the Great Southern Reef. Environmentalists including spokespeople for The Wilderness Society have argued that deep water and exposure to rough seas could result in an oil spill.
35°00′14″S 135°57′37″E / 35.0038380°S 135.9603483°E
