Future Prospects

Over the years, the Great Barrier Reef has adjusted through glacial and interglacial periods. The ecosystem has also survived through many natural disasters. Evidence shows that the Great Barrier Reef is a resilient ecosystem. In the past, live coral cover has decreased about 70% as a result of storm damage, and the Great Barrier Reef was able to restore itself within 10 years. However, due to human impact, the Great Barrier Reef's environment is changing at a faster rate. As a result, the Great Barrier Reef does not have as much time to adjust and regenerate from these changes. Coral bleaching may be increasing at a faster rate than coral growth. One source predicts that 95% of coral will be dead by 2050. Though there are efforts to sustain the reef, these efforts may not be enough to sustain the Great Barrier Reef's current environment.    

Coral bleaching is occurring at a rapid rate.
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