Amusing Coverage of a Really Not So Funny Situation in Reef Conservation

by | Nov 1, 2014 | Conservation, Science | 0 comments


This is some pretty seriously disturbing news. It would appear that the government’s draft 2050 Reef Plan for long-term sustainability is about as useful as tits on a bull. According to “The Roast”, the government is set to royally screw The Great Barrier Reef in its efforts to prevent “the world’s largest fish graveyard”. The Australian Academy of Science is none to happy about the so-called “plan” and didn’t shy away from standing against it. The group, made up of some of the country’s leading researches, touts the plan as being inadequate and deficient, listing numerous issues as to how it’s lacking in promise. Not only do they say the plan won’t prevent any decline in the reef, it won’t even maintain its diminished state as it is! Academy fellow professor Terry Hughes had this to say about the plan:

“It’s almost silent on the issue of climate change and one of the key goals of the draft plan is to ensure that four new mega-coal ports are developed along the Great Barrier Reef, which is really counter to the notion of protecting and conserving the Great Barrier Reef. It appears to have a short term objective of appeasing UNESCO. It doesn’t take into account the fact that the world is moving towards reducing usage of fossil fuels and the greater role for renewable energy. “

What gives? What sort of protection plan would even make mention of the possibility of coal ports in a conservation effort? Well, the kind that has two members on board who stand to gain financially from said coal ports. Yup, they have two members with vested interest in the coal and ports industry. On top of that, they have no actual independent scientific input. I hope this gets put to an end rather quickly.

 

  • Caitlin Nichole

    I'm a New York Reef Enthusiast and Fish Nerd, amateur photographer, dog lover, beer brewer/drinker, cocktail mixer, semi-seasoned chef, Prosecco Indulging, lightly foul-mouthed, slightly antagonistic, sorta-artistic, wordy bookworm of a girl. Dog mommy of three, an Abyssinian dubbed "Mau", plus one Dwarf Cuttlefish and a few Clarions. I have a tattoo of an Octopus with flowers on my rear. I ride my bike to the beach and sip bourbon with a good (reef) book while watching the waves. I like to think I'm witty and charming - but I'll let you decide.

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