Great Barrier Reef Essay example - 1549 Words

The Great Barrier Reef is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed to be one of the most incredible places on this earth. This reef is the largest living organism on this planet and the only living thing on earth visible from space (2011). The warm waters of the southwest Pacific Ocean are the perfect environments to create the worlds largest system of coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef is in such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is therefore, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many travelers and sightseers (Edgar 2010). Due to the complexity of this natural phenomenon, human practices have led†¦show more content†¦The combination of these environmental factors has led to some of the most beautiful colors that can only be found in the many corals that live here. Additionally sediments, twice as old as the reef, indicate that the reg ion was once above sea level (Lunar). The sheer enormity of the Great Barrier Reef, in addition to its great age, are two of the most well-known features of this natural phenomenon. It is composed of living coral, dead coral, algae, sponges, fish, snakes and thousands of other species, both plants and animals (2011). Currently, no evidence has been discovered as to when the first human contact occurred at the reef, but the Aboriginal population may have been the first, due to their occupation of Australia for over 40,000 years (Lunar). Human use and tourism is one of the main reasons the Great Barrier Reef is such an astounding place. The reef consists of more than 400 different kinds of corals, over 1,500 species of fish, and over 200 types of birds (2011). The tourism industry is a major contributor to the local and Australian economy. The range of activities for tourists include day tours, overnight and extended tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, whale watching, helicopte r tours, and other services that capitalizes on the world’s fascination with it. (2011). The earliest occurance of tourism was in the late 1890’s, when this area became aShow MoreRelatedThe Great Barrier Reef ( Gbr )1573 Words   |  7 PagesThe Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is located off the coast Queensland, Australia and stretches over 1800 miles. The reef is home to around 1500 species of tropical fish, and over 400 kinds of coral. This is a species diversity playground for many biologists. There is also a major concern that is upon the reef. Climate change is a main concern throughout the world. When referring to climate change people think of a change in climate patterns that can not be reversed once started. The Great Barrier ReefRead MoreEssay on The Great Barrier Reef1258 Words   |  6 PagesThe Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the natural world. It was declared a World Heritage area in 1981 and added to the National Heritage List in 2007. Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef faces many threats. Pollution caused by direct or indirect human activities are major threats to Australian reefs. (source 1). Two million tourists visit the coral reef every year. This is great for the economy; however it can have huge negative impacts on the coral reef. The tourists are carriedRead MoreAustralia: The Great Barrier Reef Essay2390 Words   |  10 PagesAustralia is known for its beautiful beaches and marvellous man made creations. The Great Barrier Reef, off the East Coast of Australia, is one of the wonders of the natural earth - it is the worlds largest coral reef ecosystem, Australian Government. In 1981, The Great Barrier Reef was acknowledged as a World Heritage area and in 2007 it was added to the National Heritage List ( refer to images two and six). The reef is not only beneficial for Australias growing tourism market but it also providesRead MoreThe Greatest Significance Of The Great Barrier Reef1605 Words   |  7 PagesThe Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world. It extends more than 1,300 miles through the coral sea off northeastern Australia and it is e ven visible from outer space. It is also home to more than 400 types of coral and 1,500 species such as the tropical fish, birds, dolphins, and reptiles. The reef is not only home to the coral but it is also breeding ground for humpback whales and a habitat for endangered species. The Great Barrier Reef was listed as a protected site by theRead MoreClimate Change And The Great Barrier Reef2273 Words   |  10 PagesChange and the Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. It is located in Queensland and stretches 2,300 km along the coast, covering 348,000 km2. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was established in 1975 in order to sustainably manage the natural heritage for future generations. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex natural ecosystems and was listed on the World Heritage List in 1981. It has a large biodiversity with a great variety ofRead More Shipping and the Great Barrier Reef Essay4636 Words   |  19 PagesShipping and the Great Barrier Reef Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is an unparalleled marine ecosystem that holds rank as one of the world’s most valuable natural wonders. The abundance of sea life offers both intrinsic and physical benefits, but unfortunately this extraordinary habitat is now threatened from several different angles. One of the greatest threats to the GBR is the presence of popular shipping routes which surround and penetrate the reef. These ships naturally polluteRead MoreThe Great Barrier Reef ( Environmental Lens )1401 Words   |  6 PagesGreat Barrier Reef (Environmental Lens) The Great Barrier Reef is a vast organic structure that has existed longer than man. It has always been present underneath the water surface near the coast of Australia, harboring many different types of sea creatures. Over the past few decades, the reef has slowly been dying. Humans have been negatively affecting it for a while now, although they may not have known it at that time. We, as humans, have the duty to correct our mistake and take responsibilityRead MoreHuman Ignorance : The Great Barrier Reef2286 Words   |  10 PagesAustralia is a cluster of reefs known as the Great Barrier Reef, the most diverse underwater phenomenon in our world. This natural wonder is not being cared for and everyone needs to take responsibility for what is happening to this reef, especially in adjacent locations and help in as many ways as possible. The Australian Government is responsible for the protection of the natural resources within their country. They need to act as the main spokesperson f or the Great Barrier Reef. The government needsRead More Protecting the Great Barrier Reef Dugong Essay3750 Words   |  15 Pagesseagrasses that form meadows in coastal waters. As dugongs feed, whole plants are uprooted and a telltale feeding trail is left behind. These feeding scars in the seagrass can be easily seen by people walking over the seagrass areas at low tide (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority [GBRMPA]). The dugong feeds almost exclusively on a number of genera of seagrasses, especially the marine vascular grasses Halodule and Halophilia. These grasses are low in fiber, high in available nitrogen (Halodule) andRead MoreEssay on Acanthaster planci on the Great Barrier Reef4079 Words   |  17 PagesAcanthaster planci on the Great Barrier Reef The organism Acanthaster planci, commonly known as the crown of thorns starfish, has a drastic effect on the health of coral reefs all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. This poisonous echinoderm feeds upon the coral, and although this should be a healthy and natural part of the ecosystem, the population explosions of the starfish have caused devastation in many portions of the Great Barrier Reef. Reef sections take anywhere