The Great Barrier Reef is known as the largest coral reef in the world. It is located off Eastern Australia, and its 3,000 individual reefs are in danger. Out of all sea creatures that are hurting the reef the crown of thorns starfish is probably the most harmful. The starfish eats and absorbs the corals. The starfish absorbs the corals liquefied tissue. This starfish may be harmful to the coral but corals will grow back. The most harmful things to the reef are people. The man made hazards to the reef include: shipping accidents (containers from container ships can fall into the water and put all sorts of garbage into the reef), oil spills, and tourism. Sunscreen may cause an environmental effect on the reef. Sea turtles live and lay eggs near the reef. Over 400 species of coral and over 500 species of algae live on the reef. If the reef were to die all of the animals would have to move to a different location. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space. The reef gained international recognition in 1981. The Great Barrier Reef is known to be 1,240 miles long. The reef helps protect people by breaking the waves. Some of the hard corals in the Great Barrier Reef may have been used to replace bones.
The Great Barrier Reef is very important. It is known as one of the world’s great nation treasures. The Great Barrier Reef gained international recognition in 1981. It ‘s the largest coral reef in the world! The Great Barrier Reef is located off the eastern coast of Australia. It is known to be at least 1,240 miles long. Its benefits are very important to not only to a lot of different fish, but for people of Australia. First, the reef serves as a protective habitat for many different kinds marine life. It also receives the full force of breaking waves, protecting the inner Australian shoreline. In addition, the calcium carbonate in coral skeletons helps maintain the PH balance in the ocean needed to sustain life. It also is used for medicine and some hard coral has been used for treatments for diseases such as cancer, aids, asthma, and other infections. The Great Barrier Reef is very important to Australia.