Australia's Other Reef

If you have been reading this space, then  you know about the bleaching crisis that is killing the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's eastern shore.  Australia is blessed by another great reef off its Indian Ocean coast and it is near pristine because of its remote location.  The Ningaloo Reef is slowly being discovered, however. Today more than 180,000 tourists each year bring over $140m to the Ningaloo region. People still fish but they also bring sea kayaks, snorkelling gear and surfboards. Tourism in the region is continuing to grow significantly and the main draw card is Ningaloo.  The Australian government's attention is also alerted as it develops plans for the exploitation of Commonwealth waters off its coasts. The Ningaloo Marine Reserve was extended by 400 kms in 2004 by the Western Australian provincial government.  But the Abbott government in Canberra has made no secret of giving priority to fishing and mining interests. 

There is a proposal to build a pipeline factory for the oil and gas industry in Exmouth Gulf next door to the world-heritage Ningaloo Reef.  If built pipe bundles destined for offshore platforms and subsea pipelines would be transported across the vast Gulf, endangering coral and hundreds of other species that use the gulf for foraging and nurseries.  The Gulf is virtually undeveloped and home to whales, dugongs, whale sharks, manta rays and extensive mangroves rich in biodiversity.  In 2010 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature recommended the Gulf be considered for inclusion in the proposed Ningaloo world heritage site because of its importance as a marine nursey.  In 2011 Ningaloo Reef, one the world's largest near shore, was listed but the Gulf was excluded. The proposed project is being assessed by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority.  One fishing guide said people do not come to wilderness places like Ningaloo to see a factory. Australia is running out of pristine places.  Ningaloo Reef is definitely on US Person's short list of places he wants to see.