The Great Barrier Reef Can Actually Be Seen From Space

The Great Barrier Reef Provides A Colorful Spectacle For Visitors

Coral is a valuable habitat on Earth and should be preserved wherever it is found. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in Australia is so well established that it can be seen from outer space. It is the largest coral system in existence and dates from 25 million years ago. There are 400 species of hard and soft coral. The 900 islands and 3,000 individual reefs were named as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

The reef supports many species, including endangered animals such as the Humpback Whale and Dwarf Minke Whale. Other species include sea turtles, dugongs, porpoises, giant clams, cone snails and sea snakes. More than 200 species of birds frequent the Great Barrier Reef area, namely the Roseate Tern and the White Bellied Sea Eagle. There is a great diversity of fish, including red bass, snapper and clownfish.

Unfortunately, conditions for coral reefs around the world are deteriorating as pollution and over fishing affect water quality. This has impacted on the Great Barrier Reef too, which has suffered from chemical seepage from agricultural activity such as sugar cane production and cattle rearing. Coral disease is increasing due to the presence of copper from industry. Global warming is another factor, causing the sea temperature to rise and resulting in coral bleaching. The delicately balanced food chain is the victim of over fishing levels. Shipping activity is causing waste products and oil spills to pollute the water.

The area is a magnet for tourists and scuba divers and snorkelers are particularly attracted to the reef. The water is exceptionally clear for seeing the colorful spectacle. Many divers are able to see Moray Eels, Lionfish, Manta Rays and Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Stinging jellyfish are sometime visitors to the reef and should be avoided if possible. It's very bad form for anyone to touch the coral as this can do damage. Several companies operate trips for divers to live on board a boat whilst they explore the reef. These cater for different levels of experience in diving.

There are tours of the reef in glass-bottomed boats for those who don't want to get into the water. Dolphins are sometimes spotted on these trips but sharks and whales are occasional sightings. The sharks that do frequent the area are likely to be fish eating but people should still be wary. Visitors appreciate the value of the Great Barrier Reef and the importance of doing everything possible to protect its future and the marine life that depends on it.