Why the Great Barrier Reef is so special?

Why the Great Barrier Reef is so special?

The Great Barrier Reef is unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters. Within this vast expanse are a unique range of ecological communities, habitats and species – all of which make the Reef one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world.

Why people should visit the coral reef?

The world’s coral reefs perform many essential roles. They are home to the fish that provide the food – and often livelihoods – for nearly 100 million people. They also act as barriers against the worst impacts of storms, protecting the beaches and the millions of people who live around and rely upon them.

What is so good about the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural wonders, its largest coral reef system and the only living organism that can be spotted from space. Protecting the reef (there are actually almost 3,000 sections) is essential given its remarkable ecosystem and myriad marine life.

Is the Great Barrier Reef worth visiting?

Made up of more than 2,900 reefs and 900 idyllic islands, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best-known dive destinations in the world. The reef system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches along the Australian coastline for more than 1,430 miles. Is the Great Barrier Reef still worth diving? Yes.

What do people do when they visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Top 5 Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef

• Snorkelling. Get up close and personal with the creatures and learn more about the ecosystem of this incredible natural hotspot.
• Scuba Diving. If you’re after something a little more exciting, why not try scuba diving?
• Visit Green Island.
• Helicopter Flight.
• Whitehaven Beach.

Why coral reefs are important to marine lives?

Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. Coral reefs teem with diverse life. Thousands of species can be found living on one reef.

What does the Great Barrier Reef provide for humans?

provide food and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people around the world, they protect shorelines from erosion, and they contain compounds that are used to treat human ailments. . . . Even though they cover less than one percent of the sea floor, they harbor about a quarter of all marine biodiversity.”

What are some fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef?

11 Amazing Facts About The Great Barrier Reef!

• It is the world’s largest reef system.
• It is home to an incredible diversity of species.
• Corals are alive.
• The reef is further out than you may think.
• The threats to the reef are numerous.
• A bleached reef isn’t always a dead reef.
• There is hope for the reef’s return.

Can you still visit Great Barrier Reef?

Everyone can visit the Marine Park throughout the year and there are activities for all interests, ranging from fishing, to amazing snorkelling, diving and sailing experiences.

Is tourism good for the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is recognised as providing unique, high-standard and world-class tourism experiences. Since 2014, Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays have remained the highest use areas for marine tourism. The Reef’s health is critically important to the stability and value of the Reef tourism industry.

What is an interesting fact you learned about the Great Barrier Reef?

It is the world’s largest reef system With almost 3,000 individual reefs, 900 islands, and stretching for 2,600km there is no denying the reef is massive. This incredible living system can even be viewed from space.

What elements are threatening the Great Barrier Reef?

One relentless threat to the Great Barrier Reef is coastal development. This includes agriculture, mining, urban, industrial, port, aquaculture, and island development. All of these things harm the reef by negative externalities such as pollution and runoff.

What really is destroying the Great Barrier Reef?

A Voracious Starfish Is Destroying the Great Barrier Reef Crown-of-thorns starfish devouring Swain Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef off Australia’s east coast. Credit…

Is the Great Barrier Reef good or bad?

The Great Barrier Reef is a resource of value to both tourism and other industries. In the past, the reef has narrowly escaped gas mining, oil spill disasters and overfishing, not to mention the ongoing impacts of land-based industries along the coast that drains to it.

Why should you care for the Great Barrier Reef?

One underrated service that the Great Barrier Reef provides is by protecting the shoreline. It keeps storms from causing damage to houses and people. The reef does this by absorbing most of the force of oncoming waves and protect shorelines. It keeps beaches looking nice and from sand being washed away or eroded.