Great Barrier Reef in “poor” health

Australia said that Great Barrier Reef’s condition has declined from moderate to poor due to extreme weather and pollution.

08:06 13 July 2013

Australia has released a report on the overall condition of the world’s largest coral reef, reportedly following warnings by the United Nations that it will consider downgrading the heritage status of the famous 1,500-mile stretch of reefs and cays along the Queensland Coast.

The government report revealed that the coral reefs and the sea grass were in poor condition.

The report also found that the overall condition of the Great Barrier Reef worsened since 2009 because of floods, cyclones, and agricultural pollution flowing into the water.

It added that major floods that took place between 2010 and 2011 have reduced the overall coral cover by 15per cent.

The report said: "Full recovery will take decades."

Meanwhile, Nick Heath, from the World Wildlife Fund is hopeful. He said: “The outlook for the reef is not good, but the situation isn't hopeless.”

Adding: “We just need more investment, more targeted action in the most dangerous pollution hot spots."

Because of this report, according to media reports UNESCO may consider downgrading the reef’s heritage status and declare it as “at risk”.