Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Outlook for Great Barrier Reef rated ‘very poor’
The most immediate threats are the gradual increase of sea temperature and extremes such as marine heat waves.
Report explores key threats to ecosystem

The long-term outlook for the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem has been officially downgraded, from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’, according to a new report.

Researchers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) said this is a critical point in the reef’s history, and there is an urgent need for accelerated action to improve it.

Key report findings:
  • coral reefs have overall declined to a very poor condition, after extensive coral mortality due to back-to-back coral bleaching events, cyclones and an ongoing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak
  • the risk of several threats has increased since 2014, including altered ocean currents, artificial light and grounding of small vessels
  • the overall condition of habitats is poor. There has been habitat loss, degradation and alteration in a number of areas, affecting populations of dependent species such as some reef fish, marine turtles and seabirds
  • factors that influence and interact with the reef are intensifying, and while some can be managed or controlled, others - such as climate change - require global efforts
  • inshore water quality is improving at a regional level but the change is too slow
  • given the size of the region, its health and condition is variable and many areas continue to support healthy corals and marine life. Some species are thought to be recovering - humpback whale populations are healthy and southern green turtles are thought to be on the increase.

Chief scientist Dr David Wachenfeld said the most immediate threats are the gradual increase of sea temperature and extremes such as marine heat waves.

“Global action on climate change is critical,” he added. “Mitigating threats like climate change and poor water quality, coupled with resilience-based management, are essential to boosting Reef health so it can recover from major disturbances.”

Australian and Queensland Governments are investing over $2 billion in the next decade as part of a comprehensive plan to protect the reef.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.