The Great Barrier Reef

One of the most intriguing and gorgeous places to visit is the Great Barrier Reef. This beautiful underwater world is located right off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia and consists of 900 Islands which stretch out over an area of 1,600 miles. This, in combination with over 2,900 coral reefs, makes it the largest coral reef in the world. No wonder that the sea in which it exists is called the Coral Sea.

Even though the reef is a very popular tourist attraction, some precautions have been made to limit the impact of tourism on the reef and to protect the existence of the huge diversity of wildlife living in this environment.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has taken the reef under its wings and shields it from overfishing, removing coral and sea shells and has designated specific shipping routes around the most sensitive areas of the reef to keep the Ecosystem and exquisite marine life as safe and sound as possible.

It can not protect it from the environmental threats though. Climate changes are out of their control which can cause coral bleaching. The last is a sign of coral stress which turns the coral white. Other distressing and devastating occurrences besides global warming is the run-off water. This could be polluted with fertilisers and pesticides which are harmful to the reef and its inhabitants.

The coral can be threatened by an explosion of the reef's natural enemy: the Crown of Thorns starfish. Their sharp spines are venomous and can easily pierce through a wetsuit. Changes in the natural habitat as well as overfishing can diminish the starfish' natural enemies.

This predator dines on coral polyps by placing its stomach over the coral, releasing digestive enzymes which liquefy the coral tissue so the starfish can absorb the nutrients. After it is done, it leaves nothing but the coral's skeleton.

In case you encounter one of these sea stars: stay clear! No one needs for you to become another victim of this predator.

See also:
Great Barrier Reef - Activities and Entertainment
Great Barrier Reef - Accommodations and Economy
Great Barrier Reef - Cautions