Effects From Tourism In Australia Sarah Olko

[Figure 1. GBR Coral] [Figure 2. GBR Coral] [Figure 3. GBR Coral] [Figure 4. GBR Coral] [Figure 5. GBR Coral]

Introduction: Methods: Results: Diving the Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef located off the Queensland coast is known for its Interviews: To ascertain local insights into the current state of the GBR The researcher dove and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef with Tusa Dive, a local Cairns abundance of diverse wildlife with over 1,500 species, and over 3,000 and its impacts on the local economy in Cairns, the researcher will diving company individual reef systems (WWF, 2015). Unfortunately, over the years there conduct short semi-structured interviews with local businesses and dive has been mass bleaching that has caused over 50 percent to die off (James, company. These questions will focus on the current state of the reefs, steps 2018). With this great loss there has been an increase of tourists that have businesses might be doing to limit the harm. traveled to Australia to visit and dive down into these reefs. Since many tourists have diving the Great Barrier Reef on their bucket list, they want Artifacts: The collection of physical artifacts can provide insight into to visit it before it’s completely dead. Tourism is one of the main industries concerns of the local community. The researcher will be taking to create revenue in many parts of Australia. It reels in about $6 billion photographs and collecting physical artifacts such as pamphlets of annually and without this attraction more than 69,000 Australians jobs will evidence showing community action to protect the reef. be lost (WWF, 2015). In doing this, the researcher aims to discover how [Figure 12. Researcher participating in the the increase of tourists is affecting the coral reefs health and the economy Results: [Figure 10. Researcher diving the GBR] group dive] of Australia. Flying to Australia [Figure 11. Tusa dive boat] Australia has strict bio-security laws that prohibit certain foreign foods, plant materials, and animal products from entering the country, due to the Research Questions: threat of introducing serious pest and diseases into Australia, devastating 1. In what ways, how are local Cairns diving companies preventing the valuable agriculture and tourism industries. tourists from harming the Great Barrier Reef? 2. Does Australians care about their environments and how do they prevent further harm? 3. What impacts can be anticipated by tourism and global warming over the next 10 years on the Great Barrier reef? [Figure 13. Tusa [Figure 14. The Great Barrier Reef from [Figure 15. Tusa informational booklet] Tusa dive boat] informational booklet]

Methods: [Figure 6. Australian customs card] [Figure 7. Australian customs card] (Interview) Tusa Dive prevents reef destruction from tourists by: A qualitative study was conducted to provide context of human Australia Zoo -Crew leads by example experience with the Great Barrier Reef. Qualitative research allows for the At the Crocoseum show, the Zookeepers had birds demonstrate how to -Has a no touching the reef rule analysis of information through language and behavior in natural settings. This type of design is best for this research because it will capture recycle and they shared the importance of the environment in Australia -Monitor the swimmers on deck and in water personal experiences and testimonies of individuals who are impacted by and how everyone needs to take care of it. -Provided booklets of information for passengers to read through changes in the Great Barrier Reef. -Displays a presentation to inform guests about the importance of the reef Observations: Research Site: To understand the impact of the Great Barrier Reef on a -It was very easy to accidently/purposefully touch or step on the reefs local tourism town, the researcher visited Cairns from July 18-21, 2019. -Not many big fish but plenty of smaller fish swimming around While there the researcher hopes to experience the Great Barrier Reef and -Coral was a greyish/white color which was evidence of coral bleaching visit local businesses. Discussion/Conclusion: Observation: To understand the impact of tourism on the GBR, the The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it is in researcher will be conducting a field experience by participating in an danger due to environmental causes and interaction with humans. The reef isn’t dead actual dive. The researcher will dive with a local diving company and [Figure 8. Recycling yet, but it’s heading there as tourists are still harming it everyday. Prior research [Figure 9. Australia Zoo entrance] will take detailed notes about the experience. demonstration at the Crocoseum] shows that human interaction stresses the coral out and causes it to bleach which is the beginning of its death. If the reef dies so will the tourist industry for Australia which will hurt their economy.

Work Cited: Convery, Hejira (2016, February 17) Australia Zoo-A big adventure for little kids. Retrieved from https://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2016/02/australia-zoo/ Immigration Experts Australia (2015, August 17) Passenger Name Cards. Retrieved from https://immiexperts.com.au/2015/08/17/passenger-name-cards/ James, L. E. (2018, August 07). Half the Great Barrier Reef is dead. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://on.natgeo.com/2OQ7qV6 WWF (2015, February 9). Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Under Threat. Retrieved: https://wwf.to/2BgvHMD