Christine Hof (Program Manager Marine Species, WWF-Australia) snorkelling with a sea turtle on Heron Island, Queensland. © WWF-Australia / Jacinta Shackleton
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers. Comprising around 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including thousands of species of fish, corals, and other marine organisms. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef is a vital ecosystem and a major tourist attraction. However, it faces threats from climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve this natural wonder for future generations, making it a global environmental priority.
As the years went by, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most iconic ecosystems, has been undergoing significant changes over the past several decades, largely due to human activity and climate change.
Coral bleaching has become one of the most visible and devastating effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef. When ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, corals turn to white.
Pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff, has significantly affected the reef. Fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments washed into the ocean can create "dead zones" and promote the growth of harmful algae that suffocate corals and other marine life.
If they can't recover quickly enough, the bleached corals die out and algae covers the once-colorful surface.
See how coral has been affected over the years there if you wish to know more about it. Follow the link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3pp52m65o
Discover how people fight to preserve this world jewel by watching the vid here!
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