The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest tropical reef system, covering an area of 348,000 square kilometers and stretching along 2300 kilometers of the eastern Australian coastline. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 200 individual reefs and 540 inshore islands (many with fringing reefs). It is among the most complex ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat for a stunning variety and number of species:
- 1500 species of marine fish
- 360 species of hard corals
- 600 species of echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers)
- 500 species of seaweed
- a variety of marine mammals (whales, dolphins, dugongs)
- 6 species of marine turtles
- 200 species of birds
- 125 species of sharks (Source: 'Reef Facts')
Protection and Management of the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is protected by the Australian Government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, established in 1975. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority:
- develops and implements zoning management plans
- performs environmental impact assessments
- performs research and monitoring
- provides educational services
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was designated as a World Heritage Site and as such is protected by the World Heritage Convention, an international organization whose aims are to protect and conserve designated sites for all time.
Sources
- 'Reef Facts for Tour Guides' (On-line). Tourism and Recreation Group Publications, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Accessed August 7, 2006.
