When was the first coral reef discovered?
During his voyage across the Pacific Ocean in 1520, Ferdinand Magellan missed Australia and its Reef. Captain James Cook, the British explorer credited with discovering Australia, also found the Great Barrier Reef by sudden impact. His ship, the Endeavour, ran aground on the Reef on June 11, 1770.
How long is the Great Barrier Reef?
1,429 miles
Stretching for 1,429 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles , the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. The reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea.
What is the GBR?
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.
Does anyone live on the Great Barrier Reef?
Aboriginal Australians have been living in the area for at least 40,000 years, and Torres Strait Islanders since about 10,000 years ago. For these 70 or so clan groups, the reef is also an important cultural feature.
How is the Great Barrier Reef 2022?
The report surveyed a total of 719 reefs from a low flying aircraft during the Australian 2021-2022 summer season and found that 654 reefs, 91%, “exhibited some bleaching.” “The surveys confirm a mass bleaching event, with coral bleaching observed at multiple reefs in all regions.
Where are the 5 largest corals?
When diving for a great catch, check out these largest reefs in the world.
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
- Red Sea Coral Reef, Israel, Egypt and Djibouti.
- New Caledonia Barrier Reef, South Pacific.
- MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, Atlantic Ocean.
- Florida Reef, Florida.
- Andros Coral Reef, Bahamas.
- Saya Del Malha, Indian Ocean.
What is the most common coral?
Fringing reefs are the most common type of coral reef. They grow seaward near coastlines of islands and continents, usually separated from the shore by no more than a shallow lagoon.
What are the top 5 biggest reefs in the world?
The World’s 7 Largest Coral Reefs
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
- Red Sea Coral Reef, Israel, Egypt and Djibouti.
- New Caledonia Barrier Reef, South Pacific.
- MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, Atlantic Ocean.
- Florida Reef, Florida.
- Andros Coral Reef, Bahamas.
- Saya Del Malha, Indian Ocean.
Who owns Great Barrier Reef?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef area and have a continuing connection to their land and sea country.