facts & figures
GREAT BARRIER REEF FACTS AND FIGURES
Great Barrier Reef – Facts And Figures
The Great Barrier Reef, along with the adjacent marine parks, stands as one of the most untouched and pristine ecosystems on the planet. This extraordinary underwater world is a complex system of life that is not yet fully comprehended by scientists. It’s an invaluable treasure that needs to be preserved, not only for the enjoyment of future generations but also for the ongoing scientific study of its unique ecosystem.
What is well understood, however, is the reef’s immense significance, extending beyond just the marine creatures that call it home. The Great Barrier Reef serves as a critical component in the global ecosystem. It acts as a breeding ground for a diverse range of marine animals, from fish to larger marine mammals. Moreover, the reef plays a vital role in distributing nutrients to various parts of the globe, thereby affecting a multitude of ecosystems and contributing to the planet’s overall health.
Mother Nature utilises this incredible natural feature as a nursery for countless marine species, making it an indispensable part of the life cycle for many animals. The reef’s complex structure and nutrient-rich waters offer an ideal environment for breeding and sustenance, which in turn has far-reaching implications for ecosystems around the world.
However, this awe-inspiring feature is currently facing severe threats, primarily due to human activities. The impact of toxic waste, pollution, and other forms of environmental abuse are putting the reef at risk. The degradation not only affects the reef itself but also has a ripple effect on global ecosystems that rely on its health.
So, take a moment to delve deeper into the information below. Learn how you can play an active role in the conservation and protection of this irreplaceable natural wonder. The Great Barrier Reef is more than just a tourist destination or a diver’s paradise; it’s a vital part of our planet that demands our attention and care.
By becoming more informed and taking responsible actions, you can contribute to the efforts aimed at safeguarding this incredible feature for the well-being of our planet and future generations. Whether it’s through responsible tourism, advocacy, or supporting conservation initiatives, every little bit helps in the fight to preserve this global treasure.
Reef Facts Brochure
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FACT 1 : Queensland Coast
The Great Barrier Reef spans two thirds of the North Eastern coastline of Australia – flanking Queensland’s coast, it extends from the waters of the Torres Strait, off the state’s northern tip, Cape York, south to just off the coast of Bundaberg (370km from Brisbane)
FACT 2: Biodiversity
The reef’s World Heritage recognises its outstanding biodiversity – from microscopic plankton to whales weighing more than 100 ton.
FACT 3: Worlds Largest
It is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem encompassing shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters and includes deep water features of the adjoining continental shelf including canyons, channels, plateaus and slopes
FACT 4: Huge Size
It is 2,300kms long and approximately 350, 000 kms2 in size. That’s about 70 million football fields or the size of Japan or Italy
FACT 5: Seen from Space
It is the longest reef in the world and its impressive size makes it the only living structure that can be seen from outer space
FACT 6: World Heritage
The Great Barrier Reef is recognised internationally as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders
FACT 7: 10% of World Reef
It represents approximately 10% of all coral reefs in the world
FACT 8: 1050 Islands
It includes about 1,050 islands ranging from small coral cays to large continental islands
FACT 9: 2900 Reefs
It includes more than 2,900 separate coral reefs and 411 hard corals and 150 soft coral and pens
FACT 10: 1.5cm a Year
Hard coral grows up to 1.5cm per year and is the backbone of the reef, growing and constantly adapting to the environment around it.
FACT 11: 7% Visited
Around 80% of all tourism activity occurs within only 7% of the Great Barrier Reef region
FACT 12: Living Thing
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living thing visited by around two million people every year