Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Marine reserve in Queensland, Australia
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a marine reserve in Queensland stretching over 1240 miles (2000 kilometers) along the northeastern coast, encompassing around 3000 individual reefs and hundreds of islands. The area protects a coral reef ecosystem where turtles, dolphins, sharks, and countless fish species live in shallow lagoons and deep channels.
The Australian government created the protected area in the mid-1970s after oil and gas companies announced drilling plans that would endanger the reef. Later, in the early 2000s, authorities expanded protection zones significantly to preserve more reef sections from human interference.
Traditional owners, especially indigenous communities along the coast, view the reef as a sacred space and source of their stories. Many visitors today join Aboriginal-guided tours where they learn how these peoples have lived with and understood the sea for thousands of years.
Access to the reserve is mainly through boat tours departing from coastal towns, with some zones requiring special permits to enter. Visitors planning to see the reef should pay attention to weather conditions, as tropical storms during summer months can affect visibility and safety.
The reserve includes more than just coral reefs, encompassing mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and shallow mudflats all considered part of the same ecosystem. While many visitors focus on colorful corals, these side zones are equally important for the survival of countless marine animals that find food and shelter here.
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