egarrard
07-02-2004, 04:23 PM
Australia Creates World's Largest Reef Sanctuary (http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=E34311MRTJZ5ICRBAEZSF EY?type=scienceNews&storyID=5562177)
Australia's Great Barrier Reef became the world's biggest protected marine network on Thursday, a move environmental groups hope countries in Asia and Central America will copy in a bid to save their endangered coral reefs.
Australia has slapped a ban on fishing and shipping on a third of the reef, the planet's largest living structure, protecting one of its main tourist attractions which is threatened by over-fishing, pollution and higher temperatures.
"In terms of an insurance policy for the future of the reef, it's an incredibly important step, to ensure that the reef is there as a major economic driver, just as it is a natural icon for the country," said Bruce Kingston, spokesman for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef became the world's biggest protected marine network on Thursday, a move environmental groups hope countries in Asia and Central America will copy in a bid to save their endangered coral reefs.
Australia has slapped a ban on fishing and shipping on a third of the reef, the planet's largest living structure, protecting one of its main tourist attractions which is threatened by over-fishing, pollution and higher temperatures.
"In terms of an insurance policy for the future of the reef, it's an incredibly important step, to ensure that the reef is there as a major economic driver, just as it is a natural icon for the country," said Bruce Kingston, spokesman for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.