Stretching 2,500 km along the north-eastern coast of Australia, with more than 400 types of coral, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral formation in the world. This rich, silent sanctuary of submarine life was declared a marine park in 1979 (comprising 15 percent of the world’s protected sea surface) and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. The Great Barrier Reef harbours more than 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 molluscs, as well as such animals as the endangered dugong (sea cow) and six of the seven species of sea turtle. In total there are more than 800 coral species in the world, providing habitats for 4,000 different species of fish. Essential for the protection of coastlines and ocean fauna, the reefs supply a wide range of products and services to coastal populations: food, building materials, tourist revenue. It is now estimated that the global monetary value of coral ecosystems is over US$375 billion which makes their protection of vital economic importance.
View a Satellite Image of the area