This Sunday, 8 June, is a very important day. It is World Oceans Day, the official United Nations designated international day during which we celebrate the ocean, its importance in our lives, and how we can protect it.
Over the past 14 years the Great Barrier Reef Foundation has been playing its part to address strategic gaps in research and knowledge through the development of a rigorous Research Portfolio and funding of research that assists reef managers to better protect the Great Barrier Reef.
This Research Portfolio includes research focused on:
- Measuring, monitoring and communicating the effects of climate change on coral reefs
- Developing a range of adaptation options to address the effects of warming waters, more acidic oceans and for organisms that are struggling to adapt
- Equipping managers, users and policy makers with the decision making tools required that help them assess the current state of the reef, the likely future state of the reef and the potential of initiatives to protect and preserve the Reef.
The need for research that supports the protection of the Great Barrier Reef has never been more important. In a recent interview for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg reiterated the key outcomes of the recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 5th assessment report.
Professor Hoegh-Guldberg emphasises the need for both mitigation and adaptation options to promote the resilience of the Reef.