Case Study on Great Barrier Reef Assignment

Case Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANALYSIS......................................................................................................................................3
CRITICAL DISCUSSION .............................................................................................................5
RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFLECTION............................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

ANALYSIS
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the largest coral reef system of the world which is composed
of more than 2,900 individual reefs and also has more than 900 islands which stretch over 2,3000
Kms. This reef is located within the Coral sea off cost of Queensland, Australia. It has got a great
importance for people and the Australian community. The reef supports a wide diversity of life
and was also selected as a world heritage site in year 1981. It is the most popular destination for
tourists and has been a part of boosting economy of the country. It also has a great importance
for the country like it protects the coastline from damaging effects from waves as well as tropical
storms. It also provides the shelter and habitat for many Australian marine organisms, also
fishing industry of the country also depends on the reef. GBR also supports the country in
generating more than $1.5 billion each year which forms a major part of Australian economy
which comes from fishing and tourism. GBR has also got an importance for health ecosystem as
it supports diversity and prevents the extinction of different Australian species.
There are various stakeholders of GBR such as Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
(GBRMPA), which is a Commonwealth agency which is responsible for managing and
protection as well as sustainable use of GBR marine park and the world heritage area. This
authority prohibits and permits activities for ensuring the long term protection, maintaining the
sustainability and enjoyment of GBR to all Australian communities. It also works in a
partnership with different stakeholders for delivering high and standard tourism for the country.
Another important stakeholder of GBR is Queensland parks and Wildlife services (QPWS), it is
a managing body that is committed for protecting, sustainable development and maintenance of
the areas within Queensland (Marshall and et.al., 2017). Also, GBRMPA and QPWS both
operate in a joint field management programs adjacent to GBRMP ecosystems which provides
support economically and tourism recreational uses. Ecotourism Australia is also a stakeholder
of GNR, it is a national body whose interest is to inspire environmental sustainability and
culturally responsible tourism. This body closely works with experienced and motivated
members who helps in delivering the quality experience by following ecotourism principles.
Another stakeholder of GBR is the Association of Marine Park tourism Operators (AMPTO)
which is considered as a peak industry body for a marine tourism in a GBRMP. AMPTO is also
a body which is responsible for representing the interests of lobbies support and industry from
the state and federal ministers based on ecological issues as well as tourism matter which faced

by the area. This body also works closely with GBRMPA in order to monitor continuously and
to improve the management of Great Barrier Reef (Mustika, Stoeckl and Farr., 2016). Another
important stakeholder of GBR is Great Barrier Reef Foundation, is a lead charity for the GBR
and one of the major role of this foundation is that is to provide real solutions, making innovation
in science and technology as well as engineering and is also responsible for ground actions in
order to ensure the long term conservation of reef.
GBR of Australia is great in each and every way and is also considered as one of the
world's largest wonder and is also prized for World Heritage Area. It is composed of more than
3000 individual systems and has more than 300 coral cays, 600 tropical islands and 760 fringe
reefs. It is also one of the world's most popular attraction for tourism in Australia and has got a
huge global reputation. Over a period, GBR has been facing various challenges which is putting
into a threat (Roff, Zhao and Pandolfi, 2015). One of the major key environmental issue which is
faced by GNR is the climate change, which is most significant environmental threat for reef.
There are various environmental pressures which affect the reef is decrease in a quality of water,
poor air quality, fishing activities and the coastal development are the major threats which is
faced by GBR (Grant, Arjoon and McGhee, 2017). The position statement of the GBR explains
that it is facing a huge threat due to climate change and it requires an action at all levels. Climate
change has a major impact on the coral reefs and it is predicted to worsen in the future which
can critically affect the survival of the coral reefs in the country. It is already facing two major
consequences due to climate change one is coral bleaching and another one is sever tropical
cyclone which occurred in the year 2017 and it has impacted more than 80% of reef from last
two years (Rolfe and Gregg, 2015). So, it is really important for the Australian government and
various stakeholder to take numerous steps in order to overcome the issues which reducing the
value of heritage of GBR.
There are various ethical theories which support in protecting the GBR from negative
effect of environmental change which motivate various stakeholders of the GBR to face the
environmental challenges. The ethical theory Beneficence is the principle which can serve as a
guide for decision makers, like what is right thing to do in order minimise the challenge, it
establishes the priority for good by making an ethical perspective and providing the best possible
solution for the ethical dilemma (Ryan and et.al., 2016). This theory also is involves the principle
of utility which refers to an attempt for generating large ratio of good for the GBR over the

possible evils. Another ethical theory is Last Harm, where a decision makers have to choose the
least harm possible for GBR. Here stakeholder has a great responsibility for doing no harm to
place and respect the place. Various strategies can be formulated in such a way it result in least
harm to be provided to GBR from the environment. Proper justice should be done and actions
taken should be fair enough which can support the environment from degradation which can
potentially have a negative impact on the Great Barrier Reef.
CRITICAL DISCUSSION
Tragedy of commons is referred as situation within a shared resource system where
individuals keep on acting independently of their own self-interest can deplete, even if it being
contrary to the best interest of a group. This term is often connected with the sustainable
development, environmental protection and meshing the economic growth. This is a term which
is often brought up whenever people start discussing about the environmental issues like the
issue of Great Barrier Reef which is facing an issue of environmental change. This theory mostly
recognise the primary role of government at national, state, local and even at international levels
for defining and managing shared resources of the country. This theory provides a mechanism
for resolving the tragedies which are the part of large set of theories that are dealing with various
social dilemmas within the field like economics, mathematics, urban planning sociology as well
as environmental science (Waschka and Gardner, 2016). Tragedy of commons provides the
implication for using resources and promoting sustainability within an area. This theory is related
to environmental ethics directly as in a general statement it can convince a wide population for
correcting the methods as well as principles of supporting the environment. Aim of this theory is
to demonstrate the tragic consequences which are face by the environment and then it proposes a
system sensitive ethics which can prevent a tragedy from happening in the future. For example
Great Barrier Reef is facing a negative consequences due to environmental changes, and this
theory suggests that various stakeholders can make use of environmental ethical standards which
can prevent GBR from the negative effects of climatic change (Weitz and et.al., 2016). This
theory also demonstrates the prime environmental ethics which are constructed on the human
centred and moral environmental principles which can support GBR environmental conditions.
This theory is also linked to environmental ethics as it can satisfy the environmental related
requirements such as acceptable system of ethics is contingent for preserving the ecosystems
which is sustaining it. Another environmental ethics which relate to this theory is that biological

necessity have to be over the individual benefits and interests and also environmental success is
also necessary for meeting the needs of an individual (Bell-James, 2016). Tragedy of commons
has just become a metaphor for sever contradictions while interacting with the social and natural
systems, and this theory is related to environmental ethics by raising environmental concerns
about in relation to regeneration of local, state, national an international level by raising complex
and enduring questions about the country's environmental policies, environmental and social
values.
Yes, there is a tragedy of the Great Barrier Reef, as GBR is facing a huge environment
issue of climate change which has affected the natural habitat of the region and it have resulted
in the negative impact on the GBR. As climate change is warming the oceans which have
resulted in long lasting of underwater waves. It can be analysed that coral species of Australia
can not withstand the such a huge and extended hot periods and they start to die and that will
result in the diminishing of GBR diversity. Besides there is there are other environmental issues
which is faced by GBR like low water and air quality of GBR. Due to climate change it has
resulted in the tropical cyclone and coral bleaching (Australia, 2017). Besides there are various
stakeholder involved in GBR but there is no such positive outcome which could prevent the
region from negative environmental effects. Various stakeholder identified has failed to
contribute towards protection of GBR from environmental and the authorities have a failed to
develop polices in order to protect the reef. It is the duty of GBRMPA to prohibit the activities in
order to ensure the long-term protection of reef and also maintaining the sustainability. But
people have been involved in numerous fishing activities and development of coastal regions
which have resulted in tragedy for GBR. Also, other stakeholders have failed to comply
according to their duties and responsibilities which is a major sign of tragedy for GBR (Araujo,
Mezzaroba and Rover, 2016). As per the ethical theories like Beneficence which serves as guide
for decision maker within the country, which has reluctantly failed due to the rise of
environmental issues within the area. Stakeholders, of the GBR failed to do right thing in order
to mitigate the environmental issues. According to ethical theory of Last harm, various
stakeholders should make a decision which can result in the least harm for the environment. But
even the country and stakeholders has failed to providing a least harm to the GBR which has
resulted in its tragedy. Yes, there is also an issue of tragedy of common theory as GBR is one of
the most popular tourist spot which has been attracting huge number of tourists across the world

which has been boosting the economy of the country so, stakeholders are degrading the
environment for their personal interests and enjoyment for tourists.
As, GBR is full of resources and rich in diversity and also provides various opportunities
for business within the area but it does not mean that businesses have right to use the finite
resources of the region. In order to achieve the economic success, businesses can not degrade the
the natural habitat of GBR which can worsen the situation of it. If businesses start using the
resources of the personal interest like growth in economy it will surely cause harm to
environment and surroundings. In order to increase the business success, companies has no right
to provide harm to the natural environment and natural habitat of the GBR. As per least harm
ethical theory which suggests that least possible harm should be provided to the society and
environment and one should take the decisions accordingly. In businesses starting using the finite
resources of GBR it give rise to various types of pollution like air, water and soil which will
further give rise to environmental issue in the area (Lambertini, 2017). According to the theory
of beneficence also opposes the use of finite resources for the sake of organisational and
economic success, as it suggests that as business also forms an important stakeholders of GBR,
so they have to act on what is good for the reef not for the business interest. So, it is vital for the
businesses to take the decisions which is good for GBR which also means that businesses can not
use finite resources of GBR which can destroy the natural habitat of reef and even give rise to the
environmental pollution of the area. Also, according to the theory of Deontology which states
that businesses have to adhere their duties and obligations when they are engaged I the decision
making when an environmental ethics come into play. Which also means that businesses have
to follow their obligations towards the environment a business is operating as upholding the
duties is being considered as ethically more correct. So, as per this theory it is not the duty of
businesses to make finite use of environmental assets which can harm the natural environment of
Great Barrier Reef of Australia (Ethical Theories, 2019). This theory includes that businesses
should have a positive attitude towards the environment and should avoid all the activities which
can disturb the natural habitat and environment of reef. As there is a huge opportunity available
for various businesses which can give rise to high economic growth which can put the businesses
in an ethical dilemma which company might not be able to identify the conflicting situations
about the decision to be taken. But on the other hand the ethical theory which can solve this
ethical dilemma of the business which is Beneficence which can help the decision makers to take

a proper decisions that will benefit the GBR's climatic conditions. As there are various
businesses operating in reef which can work collaboratively in order to predict the consequences
of the action which is based on the Utilitarian theory, the businesses have to take such choices
which can provide the greatest benefits for the environment of Great Barrier Reef. Here
businesses can make use of the resources of reef unless and until it is ethically correct.
Another theory which does not provide the right for businesses to make use of finite
resources of the Great Barrier Reef is justice ethical principle which states that business should
make a decision and should get involved in the activities which are fair enough to support the
climate of the reef. It can be injustice if the companies and businesses make use of finite
resources of GBR as it will deteriorate the climatic conditions of Australia (Albright and et.al.,
2016). Businesses have to just towards the society and the environment in which businesses are
operating. So, these are these are the reasons why businesses does not have right to make use of
finite resources of Great Barrier Reef as it can have a negative impact on the environment which
can further worsen the situation in the future. By adopting these ethical theories it can prevent
businesses from making use of finite resources. Also based on the ethical theories human right
are not more important than GBR as it has got its own rights which is the right of sustainability.
Within the ethical theory of rights, these are established by the society in order to give high
priority and protect these right. All the rights of GBR are mention in Australian Environmental
protection acts which provides the rights of the environment which are to be protected
(Environmental Legislation Guidelines, 2019).
In Australia, there are various type of environmental groups that plays important role in
terms of protection where they provide the better quality of services to conserve natural
resources and also used to reduce issues, problem in proper manner. It can be divided into
different generate various environmental issues in context of great barrier reef.
Climate change
It is the one of most common issue in term of environment where it combined with the
pressures, as resulting in system wide decline in reef condition. It also directly affects survival of
coral reefs in global world without possible to change climate mitigation. In Australia,
environmental group such as Australian climate management that play important role for
minimizing the business of import and export because there are different ships transfer from one

country to other (Rolfe and Gregg, 2015). It will increase pollution rate that directly affects on
the Reef.
Poor water quality from land based
This type of threat is declined the marine water quality from land based run off. It is one
of significant threat on the basis of long-term damage. It mainly including sediments, pesticides
and other type of phosphorus etc. it directly contributes to effects on the overall value of heritage
property. According to bush heritage group in Australia that is mainly focused on the maintain
quality of water from land based when it performs specific role to reduce bio erosion which
increases the coral diseases.
Impacts from fishing
Fishing is considered the principal to the use of great barrier reef. In Australia,
government share management plan of fishing and improve environmental impact on fishing.
There are large number of fishing industries mainly depend on the healthy ecosystem as a source
of seafood. New technology impact on the ecological system that directly affects on the fishing
activities. In Australia, the fishier conservation groups assist to perform specific role for applying
harvest strategy to reduce the environmental impacts on fishing process.
Impact on coastal development
In great barrier reef catchment is used for urban, industrial development and agriculture.
This provide many benefits in terms of social and economic but sometimes, its negative impact
on the heath of Reef because there are various types of toxic substances harmful for coastal
development (Roff, Zhao and Pandolfi, 2015). According to bush heritage group in Australia that
is mainly focused on the coastal development to make strategy for reducing sand erosion and
also prevention to control megacities and subsiding in coastal area.
It has been justified that used the utilitarianism theory of each environmental group to
choose an appropriate actions and policies. By using this theory, it can easily recognize the
fundamental role of human life and find out the consequences in proper manner. It differs from
other ethical theories because it makes rightness and depend on the motive behind the
improvement of environmental threats. In this way, it easily analyze for balancing the great
barrier reef due to reduce environmental threats in global world.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFLECTION
Environmental quality of GBR is decline at very fast rate in the Australia, so it the duty
of Australian government to take responsibility to control the decline of reefs in the seas. This
can be done by transplanting hundred of nursery grown coral fragments into the beleaguered
great barrier reef. Rather than waiting for the dead plants under the water to decompose, the
government should start plaining the new plants and trees under the water. This can be done by
the employees of reef tour companies (who are expert in this profile), and this will lead in the in
the growth of reefs under the sea. The major actions which must be taken is to keep the sea and
oceans clean. If any fishes dies inside the ocean or any pant which is already dead, should be
removed from the sea as soon as possible. Researchers should take this initiative to plant the
twelve species which well enable quick and easy attachment to the reef matrix. After few
months, it will get stable and will start spreading with the fresh a new reef under the sea. By
seeding the damaged pieces if the old reef, many new reefs may bear. It will an easy and eco
friendly step to come over to the problems like falling quality of reefs. The corals under the sea
can recover from the bleaching but not the frequency. So to maintain the coral bleaching, the
environmental issues like global warming should be taken care of. If the heat will increase in the
sea, this problem will occur. So to maintain the temperature under the sea and oceans, the
weather forecasting should be done by the weather forecasting team.
The oceans inner behaviour should be measured and the critical changes and technical
changes occurring in the deeper layers of seas should be taken care of by the ocean specialist. As
the scientific and policy community shifts its attention to the climate's response to increased
greenhouse gas emissions i.e., climate sensitivity, we must not underestimate the magnitude,
variability, and uncertainty in the ocean's ability to store and exchange heat with the atmosphere,
which in turn influences climate on a global scale. The complex interactions between continued
emissions of greenhouse gases, consequent energy imbalance, and changes in the storage and
transport properties of heat in the ocean will largely determine the speed and magnitude of long-
term anthropogenic climate change impacts. These interactions have significant policy and
economic implications, and must not be ignored in the climate policy discussions forum. As the
climate negotiators are now shifting their focus towards reaching an agreement on appropriate
stabilization targets and designing mitigation and adaptations strategies required to meet those

targets, understanding and incorporating the highly important role of ocean as the most powerful
climate change mitigatory becomes an important factor to focus on.
Reflection:
The issue which personally concerns me is the rapid environment change which is
negatively effecting the Great Barrier Reef. Global warming is at its peak and also global
temperature is rising constantly and all the countries including Australia is unable set proper
measure for decreasing the environmental pollution which is even effecting the GBR. Also,
Australian authorities and stakeholders are even failing to reduce the environmental impact on
GBR, they have failed formulate the definite policies which can protect the reef in order to
preserve its heritage so, this is the thing I am concerned about. Based on the current scenario I
don't see any major change in the future and I think that conditions will even worsen in the future
as not definite steps are being taken. But if Government of Australia and various stakeholder can
take some initiatives can definitely change the scenario which I think is quite challenging.

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
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Online
Environmental Legislation Guidelines. 2019. [Online]. Available Through:
<https://www.ga.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/72030/Environmental-Legislation-
Guidelines-v1.0.pdf>.
Ethical Theories. 2019. [Online]. Available Through: <https://businessjargons.com/ethical-
theories.html>.