Where is gbr

Other superlative natural phenomena include the annual coral spawning, migrating whales, nesting turtles, and significant spawning aggregations of many fish species. Criterion viii : The GBR, extending 2, kilometres along Queensland's coast, is a globally outstanding example of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia.

The area has been exposed and flooded by at least four glacial and interglacial cycles, and over the past 15, years reefs have grown on the continental shelf. During glacial periods, sea levels dropped, exposing the reefs as flat-topped hills of eroded limestone. Large rivers meandered between these hills and the coastline extended further east. During interglacial periods, rising sea levels caused the formation of continental islands, coral cays and new phases of coral growth.

This environmental history can be seen in cores of old massive corals. The processes of geological and geomorphological evolution are well represented, linking continental islands, coral cays and reefs. The varied seascapes and landscapes that occur today have been moulded by changing climates and sea levels, and the erosive power of wind and water, over long time periods. One-third of the GBR lies beyond the seaward edge of the shallower reefs; this area comprises continental slope and deep oceanic waters and abyssal plains.

Criterion ix : The globally significant diversity of reef and island morphologies reflects ongoing geomorphic, oceanographic and environmental processes. The complex cross-shelf, longshore and vertical connectivity is influenced by dynamic oceanic currents and ongoing ecological processes such as upwellings, larval dispersal and migration.

Ongoing erosion and accretion of coral reefs, sand banks and coral cays combine with similar processes along the coast and around continental islands. Extensive beds of Halimeda algae represent active calcification and accretion over thousands of years. Biologically the unique diversity of the GBR reflects the maturity of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia; evidence exists for the evolution of hard corals and other fauna.

Globally significant marine faunal groups include over 4, species of molluscs, over 1, species of fish, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and many others. The establishment of vegetation on the cays and continental islands exemplifies the important role of birds, such as the Pied Imperial Pigeon, in processes such as seed dispersal and plant colonisation.

Human interaction with the natural environment is illustrated by strong ongoing links between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their sea-country, and includes numerous shell deposits middens and fish traps, plus the application of story places and marine totems. Criterion x : The enormous size and diversity of the GBR means it is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth, and one of the most significant for biodiversity conservation.

The amazing diversity supports tens of thousands of marine and terrestrial species, many of which are of global conservation significance.

As the world's most complex expanse of coral reefs, the reefs contain some species of corals in 60 genera. There are also large ecologically important inter-reefal areas. The shallower marine areas support half the world's diversity of mangroves and many seagrass species. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for one of the world's largest populations of the threatened dugong. At least 30 species of whales and dolphins occur here, and it is a significant area for humpback whale calving.

Some species of birds have been recorded in the GBR. Twenty-two seabird species breed on cays and some continental islands, and some of these breeding sites are globally significant; other seabird species also utilize the area. You also need to supply your own SD Camera Card and drop the camera off back at our shop before pm. More Info. Where is the Great Barrier Reef Located? Sunlover Cruises Great day tour for people of all ages.

Reef Magic Cruises Up to 5 hours at the reef. Contact Us. Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Values The Great Barrier Reef provides a habitat for rare and threatened species of plants and animals and for in situ conversation of biodiversity.

The Great Barrier Reef has outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. The Great Barrier Reef contains superlative natural phenomena and areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. Best reef tour lunch in town.

Great Adventures: Outer Reef Pontoon Leaves later than most 10am and provides up to 3 hours at their outer reef pontoon. Enjoy the sun deck, underwater observatory, semi-submersible and many optional extras. This trip is suited to swimmers, snorkelers and families.

Often Sea Turtles are seen from the beach. All meals included. Port expansion leads to dredging of the seafloor, increased shipping traffic, and a range of other impacts on the delicate coastal and marine environment of this World Heritage Area. Fisheries management needs to be supported by investment into expanded data collection and compliance programs. Our oceans are home to incredible marine wildlife.

Help WWF-Australia conserve our marine environment and become and protect our oceans today. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians, whose land we work upon and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. At WWF, we work in Australia and in our Asia-Pacific backyard to protect endangered species and habitats, meet the challenge of climate change, and build a world where people live in harmony with nature. Text available under Creative Commons licence.

Thank you for your enquiry. Our team will be in touch soon Here are other ways to help WWF. Help those who can't ask for your help. There are a lot of ways to donate to support our work protecting wildlife and conserving the environment. If you have any questions about your donation, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Supporter Services team by phone or email at enquiries wwf. If you have any questions about your donation, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Supporter Services team either by email: enquiries wwf.

Share this page with your friends and family to help endangered animals even more. Our stories News Blogs. Adopt Koala Turtle Tree International species. Think spectacular sunsets, clear moonlit nights, secluded beaches and pure air. You can sail, swim, snorkel and dive at sheltered anchorages such as Blue Pearl, Butterfly and Hook Island bays.

Visit Whitsunday Island and walk the pure white, silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. Several cruise companies will provide you with all that you need, including Sailing Whitsundays and Prosail. If you'd rather up the adrenaline, sign up to skydive into one of the most picturesque drop zones in the world. Along the eastern coast of Hinchinbrook Island , an untouched tropical paradise on the coast between Townsville and Cairns, is the four-day, kilometre mile Thorsborne Trail traversing cloud-cloaked mountains, jungle-like rainforest and pristine beaches.

See a panorama of wildlife, from butterflies and birds to crocodiles, turtles, dugongs and dolphins. Book a permit in advance — especially to stay in one of the seven camping areas accessed from the trail — then reach the island on a ferry or water taxi from the mainland towns of Cardwell or Lucinda.

The islands of the Great Barrier Reef hold as much wildlife on land as they do in the sea. Just a minute ferry ride off the coast from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers a large koala population. The cuddle creatures live peacefully in the wild throughout the island, up in the treetops both in park areas and more inhabited parts of the island.

Take the Forts Walk to reach the best places to see them and enjoy the degree views too. On Daydream Island , you'll find a man-made Living Reef , where you can hand-feed the friendly baby stingrays. The reef is also home to more than species of marine fish and 83 species of coral. Visit the Southern Great Barrier Reef to see baby turtles hatch on the beach. The coastal village of Airlie Beach is a vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

You are sure to instantly warm to its bohemian charm and carefree ambience. Queensland 's warm, tropical climate means winters at Airlie Beach are very mild and you can enjoy water activities all year round. The custom-designed dive vessels take guests to a choice of 16 exclusive dive sites and offer a vast array of marine environments for divers and snorkellers to explore. You can also take part in two night dives, offering a unique chance to see marine life that you would never see during the day.

The Great Barrier Reef's Frankland Islands might be uninhabited, but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the islands' rich coral reefs, diverse aquatic life and pristine stretches of sand.