Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral in the world. It runs along the coast of Queensland, Australia. It runs for almost 2000 km. The warm water helps them survive and keep their color. The World Heritage Trust named it as a protected site and will help to keep it beautiful. Visitors come by the thousands to see this great masterpiece. The reef also had over 1000 islands that tourists can visit. If you ever get the chance, you should visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Over fishing is greatly affecting the Great Barrier Reef. Restaurants like to order the fish from the Great Barrier Reef so they can have some of the best food. People also use cyanide fishing. This is when people squirt toxic chemicals into the reef to stun the fish. They then catch the fish for restaurants or for themselves. The reef’s protectors are trying to stop this form happening. Runoffs from the towns are also polluting the reefs’ waters. Nutrients can also affect how the coral grows. If there is too much, the coral will die. Some animals also kill the coral by attacking it. The Crown of Thorns sea star puts its mouth around it and slowly eats it. High ocean temperature can also cause the coral to wilt and eventually die.

Some activities that you can do at the coral reefs include: swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and bird watching. There are a lot of interesting animals located here too. Some include dugong, green turtles, dolphins, whales, and 200 species of birds. The Great Barrier Reef is a great place to visit if you like to explore the outdoors.

pictures found at www.bindonart.com/ wildlife.htm

Formation Destruction Coral Reef Alliance

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