The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef. It is also the world’s most complex ecosystem and is the home to thousands of species of marine life. Essentially, the Great Barrier Reef is the “largest living-structure on Earth” (Cressey 2014). The Reef is a World Heritage Site, meaning that it provides “outstanding value to humanity” (Great Barrier Reef). There are numerous marine species that live in the Great Barrier Reef that cannot be found anywhere else in the world (Great Barrier Reef). Species found in the Great Barrier Reef have been linked to finding cures for various diseases. It is possible that cures to some of the most troubling medical problems are located in the Great Barrier Reef (ReefCheck).
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeastern coast of Australia and is the world's largest coral reef.
|
The health of the Great Barrier Reef has been declining and is expected to worsen if action is not taken. The Great Barrier Reef is close to being placed on the World Heritage Sites in Danger list (Cressey 2014). The three main factors that influence the health of the Great Barrier Reef are climate change, storms, and outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns seastar. Rising temperatures are causing coral to bleach, powerful cyclones are destroying reefs, and the large crown-of-thorns starfish are eating corals. The health of the Great Barrier Reef is declining due to these three main reasons, but the most prominent factor that influences the Great Barrier Reef is climate change.
Photos:
http://bmag.com.au/getaways/weekend-getaways/2014/06/05/five-holiday-destinations-you-need-to-visit-this-long-weekend/
http://www.queenslandadventures.com.au/holidays/sunset-safaris-6-day5-night-fraser-islandgreat-barrier-reef-tour
http://bmag.com.au/getaways/weekend-getaways/2014/06/05/five-holiday-destinations-you-need-to-visit-this-long-weekend/
http://www.queenslandadventures.com.au/holidays/sunset-safaris-6-day5-night-fraser-islandgreat-barrier-reef-tour