Main Features of the Reef:
One of Australias most remarkable and unique natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is filled with the breathtaking beauty of the worlds largest coral reef. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of 3000 individual coral reefs and 940 islands, which stretches for 2000 kilometres along the Queensland coast and is home to; more than 1500 species of fish, 30 species of marine mammals including the endangered dugong, 6 of the world’s endangered species of sea turtles and 215 species of birds. The reef’s plants and animal species in future may also cure deadly diseases. It attracts more than two million tourists each year and makes more than $ 4.3 billion just from tourism.
Why was The Great Barrier Reef Chosen to be a World Heritage Site?
The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed in 1981 for meeting all four natural Outstanding Universal Value and for its integrity. Although originally seen as a prize or badge of honour, World Heritage Status is a condition that will help ensure future generations can appreciate its unique features. This Strategic…
It’s one of the world’s healthiest coral reefs and must be protected for survival. However, there are many threats which could potentially destroy the Great Barrier Reef including climate change, coastal development, illegal fishing, oil spills, tourists and the crown of thorns starfish outbreaks.
construction, fishing, logging, climate change, oil spills, tourists and manufacturing, which adds pollution to the air and water. If there is too much pollution around and in the Great Barrier Reef it can potentially disrupt and ruin the coral reef ecosystem. Individual people can also cause destruction to the reef. Fishers who drop boat anchors often break off large pieces of coral and scuba divers can harm certain sea creatures from the action of touching them.
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