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Modern Encyclopedia Entry 1777325405

** The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers off the coast of Australia, and is a vital ecosystem supporting an incredible array of marine life. **CONTENT:** ### Overview The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, comprising more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is the world's largest coral reef system, spanning over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). The reef system is a complex network of coral formations, coral cays, and coral reefs, which provide a habitat for an astonishing array of marine life. The Great Barrier Reef is not only a natural wonder but also a significant economic driver for the Australian tourism industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The Great Barrier Reef is a dynamic ecosystem that has been shaped by millions of years of geological and biological processes. It is composed of more than 600 species of coral, which provide a framework for a vast array of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 600 species of coral, 30 species of whales and dolphins, and 6 species of sea turtles. The reef system is also home to a diverse array of invertebrates, including giant clams, sea stars, and sea urchins. ### History/Background The Great Barrier Reef has a long and complex history, dating back over 20 million years. The reef system was formed during the Cenozoic Era, when the Australian continent was still in the process of forming. The reef system has been shaped by a combination of geological processes, including sea level changes, tectonic activity, and erosion. Over time, the reef system has been modified by human activities, including fishing, mining, and coastal development. The Great Barrier Reef has been an important part of Australian culture and history for thousands of years. The reef system was first mapped by European explorers in the 18th century, and it has since become a popular destination for tourists and scientists. In 1975, the Australian government established the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to protect the reef system from human impacts. The park is a protected area that covers over 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) of the reef system. ### Key Information The Great Barrier Reef is a complex ecosystem that supports an incredible array of marine life. Some of the key facts about the reef system include: * The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). * The reef system is composed of more than 600 species of coral, which provide a framework for a vast array of marine life. * The reef system is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 600 species of coral, 30 species of whales and dolphins, and 6 species of sea turtles. * The reef system is a significant economic driver for the Australian tourism industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. * The reef system is a protected area, with over 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) designated as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. ### Significance The Great Barrier Reef is a vital ecosystem that supports an incredible array of marine life. The reef system is also a significant economic driver for the Australian tourism industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. However, the reef system is facing a number of threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. These threats have significant implications for the health and resilience of the reef system, and for the livelihoods of people who depend on it. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of protecting the Great Barrier Reef. In 2016, the Australian government committed to protecting the reef system through a series of conservation efforts, including the establishment of a reef restoration program. The program aims to restore the health and resilience of the reef system, and to promote sustainable tourism practices. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Great Barrier Reef - **Type:** Coral reef system - **Date:** Formed over 20 million years ago - **Location:** Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia - **Known For:** World's largest coral reef system, supporting an incredible array of marine life **TAGS:** Coral reef, marine life, ecosystem, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, pollution, overfishing, tourism, Australian culture, history, protected area, reef restoration, sustainability.