The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia and can be seen from outer space. It is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 sq mi). A new study of the Great Barrier Reef shows populations of its small, medium and large corals have all declined in the past three decades by more than 50%. And if current trends continue, over 90% or more of the living coral will be gone from the central and southern parts of the reef in just 10 years.
The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia and can be seen from outer space. It is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 sq mi).
Sadly, the reef is struggling to survive with climate change being the main threat. Rising sea temperatures and pollution leave the coral more susceptible to bleaching and, tragically, eventual death. Tourism can also play a role, with swimmers and divers touching and damaging parts of the reef as well as leaving behind rubbish and contaminating the waters with sun cream and other pollutants.
A new study of the Great Barrier Reef shows populations of its small, medium and large corals have all declined in the past three decades by more than 50%. And if current trends continue, over 90% or more of the living coral will be gone from the central and southern parts of the reef in just 10 years.
