The Great Barrier Reef: An Environmental History

by Ben Daley

Overview

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. Designated a World Heritage Area, it has been subject to increasing pressures from tourism, fishing, pollution and climate change, and is now protected as a marine park. This book provides an original account of the environmental history of the Great Barrier Reef, based on extensive archival and oral history research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415824392
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/18/2014
Series:	Earthscan Oceans
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ben Daley is Lecturer in Environmental Management in the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, UK. He was previously a researcher at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Australia.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Reconstructing Changes in the Great Barrier Reef 3. The Natural Context of Changes in the Great Barrier Reef 4. The Historical Context of Changes in the Great Barrier Reef 5. The bêche-de-mer, Pearl-shell and Trochus Fisheries 6. Impacts on Marine Turtles 7. Impacts on Dugongs 8. Impacts on Whales, Sharks and Fish 9. The Impacts of Coral and Shell Collecting 10. The Impacts of Guano and Rock Phosphate Mining 11. The Impacts of Coral Mining 12. Other Impacts on Coral Reefs 13. Changes in Island Biota 14. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

"Through a meticulous analysis of archival materials, official sources, publications, photographs and oral history evidence, this book documents for the first time how the colonisation of Queensland and the resultant growth of primary industries have contributed to the decline of the Great Barrier Reef… It provides important historical evidence that demonstrates that the detrimental impacts of increased human population, urban development and agricultural expansion in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area will have to be ameliorated to increase the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to the ravages of climate change." – From the Foreword by Professor Helene Marsh, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

"The well-written text is the result of his doctoral dissertation work. It will speak to anyone interested in the potential impact of human land use, climate change, and environmental degradation on one of Earth's remaining treasured ecosystems. Part of the "Earthscan Oceans" series. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, general, and professional library collections." – CHOICE, L. S. Rigg, Northern Illinois University

From the Publisher