World Oceans Day Coordinator Alyssa Isakower wrote a guest blog post for us recently in which she said the most pressing ocean related issue facing the residents of Australia is the damage being done to the Great Barrier Reef! We couldn't agree more, which is why we're focusing this World Oceans Day on protecting and spreading awareness about our precious reef.
- These 10 facts about the Great Barrier Reef show just what a precious jewel worth saving it really is..
- FACT 1: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest reef system.
- FACT 2: The Great Barrier Reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reef.
- FACT 3: The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space.
- FACT 4: The Great Barrier Reef is greater in size than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined.
- FACT 5: Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef.
- FACT 6: 215 species of birds (including 22 species of seabirds and 32 species of shorebirds) visit the reef or nest or roost on the islands.
- FACT 7: Around 10 percent of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef.
- FACT 10: Since being declared world heritage in 1981, the reef has lost over 50% of its coral cover.
- FACT 9: Climate change is perhaps the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef.
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FACT 10: The reef is in danger and it’s up to us, the women of the world to protect it for future generations. Its story is the devastating story of climate change. Failure is not an option! Add your name to protect the reef at this link: http://reef.1millionwomen.com.au/