The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is made up of 2,900 smaller reef sections and 900 islands which together make up some 2,300 kilometers of reef across 344,400 square kilometres of ocean. These reefs, or reef system, is located in the fittingly named Coral Sea, which is off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
The reef contains a huge variety of coral, fish and marine species, from plantlife and tiny aquatic organisms to sharks, turtles and rays. This region has historically been one of the most biologically diverse areas, and the array of colours and life that can be found here is remarkable.
Visitors and tourists come from all over the world to marvel at the reefs and the sea life that lives among them, diving and snorkelling amongst the forests of coral and reef. Though tourism and climate change have had negative affects on the reef, conservation efforts hope to protect this beautiful and delicate habitat to ensure the world does not lose this amazing natural wonder.