The Great Barrier Reef The Worlds Largest Barrier Reef

Location and SizeThe Great barrier reef is located off the coast

of Queensland, northeast Australia. The actual size is 132, 974 square milesIt is so large that it can be seen clearly from

spaceThe view

of the Great

Barrier Reef from

space

Coral InhabitanceThere are over four hundred species of coral

flourishing throughout the Reef The majority of these coral spawn gametes,

breeding in mass spawning events that are triggered by the rising sea temperatures of spring and summer

Ecology There are thirty species of whales, dolphins,

and porpoises in the Great Barrier ReefThere are six different species of turtle

including: the green sea turtle, the leatherback sea turtle, the hawksbill sea turtle, loggerhead turtle, flatback turtle, and the olive ridly

More than 1,500 species of fish inhabit the reef

Environmental ThreatsPollution: 90% of the pollution in the reef are

caused by farm runoffLoss of coastal wetlands: It is thought that

poor water quality is caused by increased light and oxygen competition from algae

Overfishing: I believe the answer to this is in the name. Men leaving nets and dropping anchors subtract the amount of marine life in the reef

The Crown of Thorns: This is a starfish that eats all coral in comes upon

Management on the ReefMost of the management is done by starfish,

crabs, and some species of fishCertain undesirable bacteria or plants are

eaten or removed of by the managers of the reef

Sometimes, people are known to volunteer and clean some of the reef

Some fish clean larger fish for protection

Endangered SpeciesIn the Great Barrier Reef there are many

different threatened species of animals such as the blue whale and the sea turtle

Another animal that is endangered is a manatee, otherwise known as a sea cow.

Why is the water so still and clear?A common question that I have heard is why

is the water so clear and still in the Great Barrier Reef. Well the reason is because of the small reefs.

The reefs spread all throughout the surrounding area, causing the water to slow down.

ConclusionSo that is a little about the vibrant and

serene Great Barrier Reef. Just like all things it needs help to stay in good conditions.

Everything has a part in the wondrous coral reef. The fish do their small parts as well as the small crabs. Even the flourishing smaller reefs have a great participation

For ListeningThank You!

Any Questions?