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The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, has something in common with Cook Islands reefs – it is threatened by pollution.
Australia’s Productivity Commission says sugar cane plantations and cattle ranches may be the most to blame, as they increase runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment.
This can lead to reduced coral growth, inability to recover from hazards like cyclones, smothering of coral by sediment, fish poisoning and unusually high growth rates for organisms that overgrow coral or support its rivals.
Here in the Cook Islands coral reefs, particularly those on Rarotonga, are facing a similar fate. It is believed that increased runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment from development is causing dramatic harm to our coral reefs.
Tens of thousands of tourists visit the Cook Islands each year to enjoy our coral reefs. However, this could all change if the problem isn’t addressed and solution(s) found, and acted upon, as soon as possible, says the Environment Service.
Last Friday the first of a series of water quality tests by the Titikaveka College senior science students revealed traces of elements existing in streams and swamplands.
“While the test results lack precise accuracy they still tell us that such elements like phosphate, etc, exist in waterways,” said Senior Environment Officer Tukatara Tangi.
Testing is expected to continue so that a trend is established over a period of time. The results will be used to form plans of action for community leaders to introduce to their areas as is the case with the Avana Muri Marine Action Group (AMMAG).
The Environment Service is helping students conduct the water testing, and will also assist AMMAG with any testing the group wishes to do.
“In addition we will assist with any education awareness activities that take place,” Tangi said.
“The testing provides scientific evidence that helps us enforce legislation that focuses on water pollution. Because the community is conducting testing themselves, acceptance of results should be better." |
