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The Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef. Why is the Coral Reef one of the world’s natural wonders?. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
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The Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef
Why is the Coral Reef one of the world’s natural wonders? • The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. • It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. • The reef itself provides food, pearls, treasure from shipwrecks, and tourism.
Natural wonder continued • It is of great interest to the scientific and medical communities of the world. • Treatments for cancer, AIDS, asthma, arthritis, and other infections are being researched from organisms found in coral reefs.
What value does the reef offer Australia’s economy? • The reef is very important to Australia's economy. • It provides food and jobs. • 80% of the land along the reef supports agriculture - from fisheries to cattle grazing to crops.
Economy continued • The reef protected beach offers white sand for lazing and sparking turquoise and aqua water for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.
How is the reef indanger? • The reef is in danger. • Run-off from land based agriculture, urban development, and aquaculture have all done their part to damage the reef. • Oil spills and normal pollution from private boats and thousands of commercial vessels have damaged it.
Danger continued….. • Tourists have damaged it. • Infestation and disease have damaged it. • Rather than use the passageways provided, ships push their way through the reef to save time and money. • Sections of the reef are already dead. Other sections are dying.
