Ep. 339: Is the Great Barrier Reef dying?

Guest: Gareth Phillips, marine biologist

In a Conversation with Patrick Moore, he stated the Great Barrier Reef is not dying.

Marine biologist and reef expert Gareth Phillips says that is true. “The reef is not dying. It is the healthiest reef in the world but that’s not to say it isn’t being affected by changes in climate.”

Phillips runs Reef Teach located in Cairns, Australia, which is about 50 kilometres by boat from the closest point of contact to the reef. And he says, “The reef is beyond great – it’s gigantic. It’s made up of trillions, gazillions of jellyfish-style animals the size of a pinhead, known as coral polyps. These polyps are the nucleus of the ecosystem that is home to 70 unique bioregions that are a living, breathing organism which changes to meet environmental conditions.”

It’s important to know the reef is a living organism and like all living beings, it is affected by changes in its environment. Phillips says, “Just like you and me, when the temperature changes we change, we shed and we embrace elements in our bodies that are going to ensure our comfort and survivability. It’s the same with the reef.”

One way the reef stays healthy is through bleaching, which Phillips says “is a natural part of the life cycle of a reef. Mass bleaching, however, isn’t. And when that happens, it is a sign of stress and a telltale sign of human impact such [as] was seen in 2016 and ’17. The good news is we are not seeing the mortality rates that were originally predicted.”

We invited marine biologist Gareth Phillips to join us for a fascinating Conversation That Matters about the Great Barrier Reef and what we can all do to ensure it remains as healthy as possible.