Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It has over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. The reef stretches for more than 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) along the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is so big that it can be seen from outer space. The reef is built by tiny living organisms called coral polyps.

This incredible reef is home to thousands of sea creatures. It was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Many people visit the reef each year, which helps the local economy.

The Great Barrier Reef faces some challenges. Climate change has caused coral bleaching, where corals lose their colour and health. Pollution from land and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish also harm the reef. Scientists are working to protect and restore this amazing natural wonder for the future.

"Discovery" and naming

The Great Barrier Reef has been important to Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a very long time.

The first European to find the reef was James Cook in 1770. He sailed and mapped the east coast of Australia. Later, in 1802, Matthew Flinders named the Great Barrier Reef after mapping it in more detail. He used different words to describe the reefs, like "great reef" and "barrier reef."

Geology and geography

The Great Barrier Reef is a special part of the East Australian Cordillera division. It stretches from Torres Strait, between Bramble Cay and the south coast of Papua New Guinea, all the way down to the area between Lady Elliot Island and Fraser Island.

Over millions of years, the reef has grown as sea levels changed and Australia moved north. Coral needs sunlight, so it only grows up to 150 metres deep. The land under the reef was once a coastal plain. Corals began growing on submerged hills as sea levels rose. Today, the reef covers a huge area and includes many different kinds of reefs.

Ecology

Main article: Threatened species known to occur in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

The Great Barrier Reef is home to many plants and animals. It has thirty kinds of whales and dolphins, dugongs, and over 1,500 fish species such as clownfish. Six types of sea turtles come to the reef to breed. The reef also has sea snakes, sharks, stingrays, molluscs, pipefish, and seahorses.

The islands of the reef support birds and plants, some of which are found only there. There are also many kinds of corals, bryozoans, and seaweeds. These help create homes for other sea creatures.

Environmental threats

Main article: Environmental threats to the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef faces many challenges that affect its health. Climate change is a big concern because it causes the ocean to warm up, leading to coral bleaching. When corals bleach, they lose their color and become weak. Other problems include pollution from farms, crown-of-thorns starfish that eat coral, and sometimes accidents with ships that can spill oil into the water. These threats make it important to protect the reef and keep it healthy for future generations.

The reef has had some mass bleaching events in recent years due to rising ocean temperatures. Pollution from farming, especially runoff containing fertilizers and chemicals, harms the corals by reducing water quality and light. Overfishing can disrupt the balance of marine life, and shipping accidents can cause oil spills. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and preserve this amazing natural wonder.

Protection and preservation: Reef 2050 plan

Further information: Natural Heritage Trust

In March 2015, the Australian and Queensland's governments made a plan called the "Reef 2050 Plan" to help protect the Great Barrier Reef until 2050. The plan shows ways to deal with pollution, climate change, and other problems that danger the reef. It talks about how to watch progress, make water cleaner, and put money into the reef’s future.

The plan talks about cleaning water near the reef and helping the reef grow stronger. Some experts feel the plan does not do enough about climate change, which is a big problem for the reef. In 2018, lots of money was given to a group working to protect the reef, but some people worried about how the money was given out.

Human use

The Great Barrier Reef has been known to and used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal Australians have lived in the area for at least 40,000 years, and Torres Strait Islanders for about 10,000 years. For these groups, the reef is very important.

In 1768, Louis de Bougainville found the reef but did not explore it. On June 11, 1770, HM Bark Endeavour, led by explorer James Cook, got stuck on the reef and was badly damaged. The ship was saved by lightening its load and waiting for high tide. The reef was not studied much in the 1800s because it did not have atolls. Some islands were mined for guano, and lighthouses were built, like at Raine Island. In 1922, the Great Barrier Reef Committee started early research on the reef.

Management

Royal Commissions stopped oil drilling in the Great Barrier Reef. In 1975, the Government of Australia created the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and banned some activities. The park is managed with help from the Government of Queensland through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. They work to use the reef in a way that does not harm it. They use zoning, plans, permits, education, and rewards to protect the reef.

In 1999, Australian law was improved to better protect the environment. This law helped plan for the whole marine area and how animals live together.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef

Because of its many biodiversity species, warm clear water, and easy access from boats called "live aboards", the reef is a very popular place, especially for scuba divers. Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef is mostly in Cairns and The Whitsundays. These areas are 7–8% of the park. Many cities on the Queensland coast have daily boat trips. Some islands are now resorts, like Green Island and Lady Elliot Island.

About two million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. Tourism is managed to protect the reef. Visitors pay a daily fee that helps with research. This fee makes up 20% of the park's income. Rules for cruise ships, bareboat charters, and where boats can stop help control traffic on the reef.

Fishing

The fishing industry in the Great Barrier Reef, managed by the Queensland Government, is worth A$1 billion each year. It employs about 2000 people. Fishing happens there for business, fun, and to feed families.