Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

A sea wonder

The Great Barrier Reef is sometimes referred to as the largest living animal in the world. In fact, it consists of the accumulation of many skeletons of coral colonies, composed mainly of calcium carbonate and aragonite, over thousands of years. One of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet is found in these structures, which extend for kilometers.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. It is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef, which extends for about 2600 kilometers (1600 miles), can be seen from space.

Global warming is increasing and wreaks havoc on the Great Barrier Reef. The coral is quite sensitive to temperature, and the change means that a large part of its fauna is affected. In fact, fish are already being lost and entire species are becoming extinct.

Due to its vast biological diversity, clear temperate waters and easy accessibility, the reef is a popular destination among scuba divers. Many cities on the Queensland coast (such as Cairns and Townsville) offer daily boat trips to the reef.