Cassie Meakin, Hokies Abroad marketing intern, writes:

The Great Barrier Reef is not only a national symbol for Australia, it is also home to hundreds of species of coral and thousands of species of fish. While on the reef, my Hokes Abroad program participated in transect measurements along different sections of the reef. An important discussion topic while conducting research was the impact humans have on the reef ecosystem.

Virginia Tech goes underwater

One of our field guides, Jimmy White, spoke to us about ecotourism’s effects on the reef. While this industry provides substantial monetary stability for the country and local businesses, it also can have devastating effects. As visitors travel to and from the reef, it is a great possibility that the fragile ecosystems that compose such a biodiverse location could be skewed causing negative effects, such as loss of coral or fish species. If the reef continues to be negatively impacted, it will not only affect the ecotourism industry, but more so it will affect the living organisms.

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and collecting data

However, there are ways we can help the reef regenerate. A new breakthrough idea by biogeochemist Dr. Thomas Goreau and Professor Wolf Hilbertz utilizes the concept of Biorock, a calcium carbonate structure that enables reefs to repair themselves and grow at much faster rates using electrical stimulation called Seascaping Architecture. The goal is to start using this technology in more widespread locations along the Great Barrier Reef. However, the research is in need of public funding to reach their goal of $60,000. If you’d like to donate to the cause and help rebuild the reef, visit: http://startsomegood.com/superhero

For underwater shots of the reef, click here to view my video.