What is the natural significance of the Great Barrier Reef?

Answer 1

It is the largest coral reef in the world and houses an enomous amount of sea life.

The environmental importance of the Reef coms from the fact that the health of the Reef points to the health of the ocean, and the creeks and rivers that feed into it, as well as signifying the general effects of pollution. It is of considerable concern that numbers of unique species such as dugong and loggerhead turtles have declined significantly since the 1960s, largely due to human intervention. The Reef shelters many endangered species

Answer 2

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the largest coral reef in the world, almost 2000km long, with its coral cays and islands spreading over 300,000 square kilometres. Considered one of the wonders of the natural world, the Reef is unique for being visible from Earth's orbit.

It was placed on the World Heritage List in 1981 because of all its colourful marine life and its unique ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef is significant for its scientific value: the health of the Reef points to the health of the ocean, and the creeks and rivers that feed into it, as well as signifying the general effects of pollution. It is of considerable concern that numbers of unique species such as dugong and loggerhead turtles have declined significantly since the 1960s, largely due to human intervention. The Reef shelters many endangered species.

On an economic note, the Great Barrier Reef generates $AU2 billion in tourism dollars every year. All countries trade on their commodities, and tourism is one of Australia's. To lose the reef would be to lose an enormous source of trade for Australia.

Answer 3

The Great Barrier Reef has natural significance because the health of the Reef points to the health of the ocean, and the creeks and rivers that feed into it, as well as signifying the general effects of pollution. It is of considerable concern that numbers of unique species such as dugong and loggerhead turtles have declined significantly since the 1960s, largely due to human intervention. The Reef shelters many endangered species.