The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is recognised as the world's largest coral reef system with more than 2,900 individual reefs and comprises of over 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over a vast area of almost 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located off the coast of Queensland, in the Australia in the Coral Sea.
It can be seen from outer space and is the largest single structure made by living organisms to be found in the world. Its reef structure is built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide variety of life and was also selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The Great Barrier Reef was also labelled as of the seven natural wonders of the world by CNN. The reef has been named as a state icon of Queensland.
Fishing and Tourism has been limited by the Great Barrier Marine Park, which acts as protection to limit the impact of human use. Other pressures on the reef and its ecosystem include runoff, climate change a coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish.
The Great Barrier Reef has been used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islanders, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists and is an important economic activity for the region, generating AUD$1 billion annually.
Six species of sea turtles come to the reef to breed these would be the green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, flatback turtle, and the olive ridley. Fifteen different species of sea grass, attract the dugongs and turtles. The most common sea grasses are Halophila and Halodule.
The Great Barrier Reef is also home to the rare Saltwater Crocodiles. They live in mangroves and salt marshes on the coast areas of the reef the reef. Around 125 species of shark, stingray and chimaera live on the reef. The list of sea creatures goes on and the variety is truly unique.
For all you adventurous divers out there, this underwater wonderland is a true life time experience.
Make the Great Barrier Reef an adventure on your permanent doorstep.
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