Welcome to Australia's Great Barrier Reef; it is one of the world's seven wonders encompassing a range of diverse flora and fauna that inhabit its colourful coral reef. The reef was listed as a World Heritage site in 1981 and is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. Including more than 3,000 species of coral and fish this reef is definitely one of the world's greatest places to visit and explore.
Historically, the Great Barrier Reef was regarded as a well protected, pristine wonderland – a safe haven for delicate corals and abundant fish. But as scientists came to understand more about its complexities, a different picture emerged. They discovered that poor fishing practices, pollution and coral bleaching exacerbated by increased sea temperatures due to global warming are all seriously threatening the reef’s future.
Historically, the Great Barrier Reef was regarded as a well protected, pristine wonderland – a safe haven for delicate corals and abundant fish. But as scientists came to understand more about its complexities, a different picture emerged. They discovered that poor fishing practices, pollution and coral bleaching exacerbated by increased sea temperatures due to global warming are all seriously threatening the reef’s future.
Where is it?
The reef stretches over 3000 km along the Queensland coast of Australia and is between 15 and 150 km off shore and 65 km wide in some parts. The reef incorporates 2900 separate coral reefs and about 900 islands from small coral cays to large continental islands. The reef is a prime location for divers providing them with an unimaginable experience of the vibrant corals and vast species of animals. The Great Barrier Reef has been used and played an important role in the lives of Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Australians on the northern coast of Queensland for many thousands of years.