Australia+-+Great+Barrier+Reef

Great Barrier Reef



The Great Barrier Reef to this day is one of the greatest wonders of the world. Found off the coast of Queensland in the Northeastern area of Australia, this beautiful structure is made up of billions of tiny (and massive) living organisms. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism, world's largest reef system, and considered a world Heritage Site. Spanning 2900 individual reef systems, 900 islands, and 2600 kilometres, it can be seen from space! The Great Barrier Reef brings millions of tourists all the year round because of the natural beauty and greatness.

Facts about the Great Barrier Reef!
 * 30 species of whales, 215 species of birds, 6 species of sea turtles, 125 species of sharks and stingrays, 49 species of pipefish, 17 species of sea snakes and around 1,500 types of fish, inhabit the Great Barrier Reef.
 * Fish in the Great Barrier Reef include: Cardinal fish, fire fish, yellow faced angel fish, gobies, blue tusk fish, and many more!
 * Experts say that Great Barrier Reef was formed around 18 million years ago. Due to climatic changes, the reefs seen today are those that were developed since the last ice age.
 * Removing anything from the reef is a punishable act. This is set in place to maintain and protect the glorious wonder.
 * One of the oldest fish can be found in the reef, the Red Bass, which can live up to 50 years!
 * Some of the largest clams can be found in the reef. One pearl that was extracted sold for $10 million!
 * Several rare and endangered species live in the Great Barrier Reef.

media type="youtube" key="yw_WjN-4n3U" height="312" width="384" align="left"