The Great Barrier Reef is the only living organic group visible from the orbit of the Earth. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the east coast of Australia, is one of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world. It is the world's largest coral reef environment. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1981.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia is strewn with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays that cover more than 300,000 square kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef system comprises more than 3000 reefs, which range in size.
The Corals at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Corals make up the various reefs and cays at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. A great variety of sea and animal lives can be witnessed in the Reef. Coral consists of individual coral polyps, which are tiny live creatures that join together to form colonies. Each polyp lives inside a shell of aragonite, which is a type of calcium carbonate. The polyps join together to create forests of colored coral in interesting fan, antler, brain and plate shapes.
The habitats at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This World Heritage site is a home to many habitats or native environments where animals and plants naturally live. The Great Barrier Reef area flourishes with wildlife, including dugong and green turtles, varieties of dolphins and whales, more than 1500 species of fish, 4000 types of mollusk and more than 200 species of bird life.
Tourism at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
More than two million tourists visit the reef every year from all parts of the world. This has made tourism a major earner for the north-eastern Australian economy. Tourists are carried to the reef system by more than 500 commercial vessels, and tourism is permitted through nearly all the Park.