On the Great Barrier Reef

 

Max just jumped in on the very famous Great Barrier Reef at Cairns, Australia.  Rex wasn't too eager to join in. He thought he needed deep sea diving gear.But Max seems to be doing all right just holding his breath... :)

This fish looks like a great big grouper...

Facts about the Great Barrier Reef:
One of the most interesting fact about the Great Barrier Reef is that this structure can actually been seen from outer space!

This is also the world’s largest coral reef, which is made up of approximately 900 islands and 3000 coral reefs!

Did you know some of the largest populations of Dudongs visit the Great Barrier Reef? Dudongs are classified as marine mammals and are related to the elephants.

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.

Although the Great Barrier Reef attracts tourists from all over and equipments for scuba diving can be rented from various places out here, taking home a piece of the coral reef is a punishable act. This is mainly to protect the reef from being damaged by these acts.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide diversity of life. Studies have revealed an amazing number of species out here; some fall under the endangered bracket.

Amongst the species that are seen out here, one can notice around 30 species of whales, 215 species of beautiful birds, 6 species of sea turtles, 125 species of sharks and stingrays, 49 species of pipefish, 17 species of sea snakes and around 1,500 types of fish!

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!

One of the oldest species of fish that can be found at the Great Barrier Reef is the Red Bass. This fish can live for more than 50 years as compared to other species.

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!

In the year 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was selected as a World Heritage Site.

The Great Barrier Marine Park protects a major portion of this reef. This is mainly to prevent misuse of this beautiful place due to overfishing and impacts caused by the tourism industry.

Tourists who plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef and wish to explore the area by boat should make it a point to do so in advance. This is because there are only limited trips allowed into the water.

The Great Barrier Reef stretches out over 344, 400 square kilometers.

These interesting facts about the Great Barrier Reef are just a glimpse of some of the amazing things seen at this reef. One would probably have to see it in person to know all about the natural splendors of this magnificent structure.
By Kashmira Lad

Want to write to Max or Rex just e-mail them at indexer@ aol.com