Great Barrier Reef is included as one of the top 7 natural wonders of the world. The ‘picturesque beauty’, ‘eye-catching scenes’ along with the ‘breath-taking view’ sumps up the overall creativity which the nature has left opened for us to feel happy, enthralled and mesmerized. The location lies off the coast of Australia’s Queensland and consists wide spectrum of marine life. 

One can be a proud witness to the scenic beauty through air, by boat or reaching the place by diving into the waves. Let’s now take a look at the underwater wonderland:-

It consists of diversified number of species

Yes, the reef has some of the most enchanting, awesome, captivating and highly mesmerizing species. Let’s now mention few of the important ones which have glorified the place and has become one of the most exotic places for the tourists to visit as well.

Here, you can find the following:-

• 6 species of turtle  
• Whopping 30 species of dolphins, whale and porpoise
• Sea snakes are a natural habitat in places like these as they number roughly 17
• No one can miss different species of fish which has become a part of the reef as whopping 10% of the world’s fish exists this part of the world 

There is a wide threat to the reef

It is unfortunate part that the climatic change has become the biggest possible challenge for the survival of reef. There are two main factors in the form of ‘pollution’ and ‘rising tea temperature’ which are eventually resulting in the bleaching of coral as it results in its death.

The next significant aspect which is damaging parts of the reef has been tourism as swimmers as well as divers certainly do the required damage in their own ways. What’s worse is that they equally leave behind a trail of waste materials in the form of rubbish along with contaminated water which basically consist a big chunk of sun cream along with other pollutants. 

It has the tag of being the ‘world’s largest reef system’

Why not? When it stretches 2,600 kilometers where there are 3,000 individual reefs along with 900 islands signifying an awesome and enhanced level of natural creativity which can only be best experienced. The massiveness of the place can be better projected where it can be viewed from space. 

Corals have life

Before moving further, we should know what ‘Corals’ are. They are basically white, pink or red (hard) substance which is formed from the bones of small sea animals. Tiny creatures namely polyps are responsible towards forming the corals. They have a sac-like body with emerging tentacles. Corals become hard and attain a rock like status due to the ingredients found in polyps, since their natural and main focus is to safeguard their soft bodies which can be attained by building a hard outer skeleton. Polyps use calcium and carbonate ions present in sea water for creating an outer protective layer. The reason for the survival of these polyps is due to the proximity with the algae that inhabit alongside. The latter provide a source of fodder to the coral by absorbing sunlight and feeding them. 

Corals are regarded to be nocturnal creatures and under the blanket of darkness they emerge from outer casings for catching small creatures. 

A big chunk of tourists visits Great Barrier Reef

The kind of exemplary attraction which the place offers, it is no wonder that the natural sightseeing has become the centre of attraction for many. As a result, more than two million tourists come to visit the place. They are mesmerized in the natural beauty of the place where as a diver and swimmer, they closely watch the beauty of the place by getting enthralled in the process. 

Strengthens the finances

Great Barrier Reef is significantly important for bringing lots of job opportunities while enhancing the finances of the country further. It is important to mention that each tourist spends on an average AU$6.50 daily for visiting the place. 

The depth varies extensively

Great Barrier Reef consists of an un-imaginable depth which has a lot of variation. Right from shallow zone with just ankle-high zones to whopping 6,560 feet deep areas.

Unimaginable species of coral 

The Mother Nature has given the widest possible reasons to feel blessed about the bounties which it has offered. Likewise, it has come up with over 4,000 coral species in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which are highly safeguarded and protected habitat to different sorts of marine species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

Become a volunteer on the Great Barrier Reef

It is true that there are the widest possible gifts which are in the form of different coral species along with flaura and fauna. A deep emphasis is rightly to be laid on protecting the environment so that subsequent generations can see the beauty of the sightseeing such as Great Barrier Reef. The Australian Government is giving high regard towards protecting the same. You can become a volunteer and the same aspect has been well addressed by destinations in the form of Heron Island, Lady Musgrave and Elliot Island for creating eco-sustainable accommodation as well as creating on-site based research programs. After all, the feeling of happiness at the time of doing the smallest possible things such as rehabilitating a baby turtle is simply amazing or you get to know different interesting facts while deriving information about the overall functioning of coral reef etc. 

The reef dates back to millions of years 

It is estimated that the corals are over 20 million years old and certainly holds a significant chapter due to its historical importance. Hence, it is way older than what you could actually perceive it to be. 

Final thoughts

After reading the aforesaid post, one can familiarize with different interesting aspects associated with Great Barrier Reef. It is true that nature offers so many bounties and it is time for us to simply know and explore them so as to be aware about natural beauties which are there in the world.