The Great Barrier Reef is located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef as a whole is made up of approximately 3,000 individual reef formations, containing several hundred different types of coral. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, meaning there is a huge variety of organisms living on the reef. The GBR "Stretch[es] for 1,429 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles" making it the "largest coral reef system in the world"(NOAA). In fact, the reef is so large that it is visible from outer space and it is "the largest living structure on Earth"(NOAA).

This image shows the size and scale of the GBR.

Why the Great Barrier Reef?

The primary reason why I chose this location for my project was because I had just seen a documentary on Disney+ about the Great Barrier Reef a few days prior and thought it would be interesting to research and learn more about. 

Additionally, I have always been fascinated with coral reefs, so I know this project will keep me excited and interested throughout the semester.