The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia and is known world- wide. It is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. It is one of the 7 wonders of the world.

People and the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has many Indigenous sites of importance. These include rock paintings on cays.

Many explorers had sailed through the reef, but it was Mathew Flinders who named the Great Barrier Reef in 1802. Today it is a major tourist attraction.

Global Warming

Global Warming is heating up the earth. This includes the Great Barrier Reef. A coral reef can only live in waters from 18 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. The water temperature has risen over the last 2 decades. That means the Great Barrier Reef is slowly dying away. The coral could disappear in as little as 20 years.

Tourism

Tourism has had a big impact on the Great Barrier Reef with millions of tourist visiting the reef every year. The reef is zoned and some zones are protected. The reef was rezoned in 2004. The only things you can take home from the reef are photos. You can go boating or snorkeling and diving at the reef.