Interesting Facts About GREAT BARRIER REEF :-

Aquatic Life In Great barrier Reef

In nautical terminology, a REEF is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water (six fathoms or less beneath low water). Many reefs result from abiotic processes—deposition of sand, wave erosion planning down rock outcrops, and other natural processes. Here we are giving some interesting facts about world's Largest reef - Great barrier Reef :-


1. Coral reefs are found in shallow water, ranging to depths of 60 m. Some species prefer either cooler temperate water while others are found along tropical reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef, with waters ranging in temperatures from 18 - 33 °C.

2. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi).

3. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms.

4. Tourism to the reef generates approximately AU$ 4-5 billion per year.

5. Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef.

6. There are at least 330 species of ascidians on the reef system. 215 species of birds visit the reef or nest or roost on the islands.

7. More than 1,500 fish species live on the reef. Seventeen species of sea snake live on the Great Barrier Reef.

8. Experts opine the Great Barrier Reef was formed around 18 million years ago. Due to various climatic and environmental changes, the reefs, which we see today, are those that have grown over the earlier reefs since the last Ice Age.

9. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and this diversity reflects the maturity of the ecosystem.

10. The Great Barrier Reef is a nesting ground for endangered species like green and loggerhead turtles and a breeding ground for humpback whales.

11. Along with fish, 360 species of hard coral, 4000 mollusc species, and 400 species of sponges live on the Great Barrier Reef.

12. The Great Barrier Reef generates about 63,000 jobs, mostly in the tourism industry.

13. Over 1 million people visit and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef each year.The Great Barrier Reef is World Heritage listed and classed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

14. When compared to any other location around the globe, an amazing fact about the Great Barrier Reef is that every cubic meter has many different species of animals and plants! This itself explains the wide diversity of life!

15. Some of the largest of giant clams can be found out here. One of the largest pearl was found in such a clam and was reportedly sold in New York for a whopping $ 10 million!



6.