The Marine Biology of the Great Barrier Reef

The Marine Biology of the Great Barrier Reef

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 01/12/2017

Reading time: 3 mins

The Great Barrier Reef  is home to thousands of marine creatures. It is home to 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 500 species of seaweed, and 215 species of bird amongst other things.

Founded in 1975, the Great Barrier Reef is protected by the surrounding Marine Park. Today, it remains a stalwart part of protecting the region and its inhabitants. This is no easy feat when it stretches for more than 2,300 kilometres.

There are more than 2,900 individual reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Each of which boasts its own selection of corals, fish species, and other marine life. This diversity makes the region one of the most vibrant, diverse underwater landscapes in the world.

Why Coral Reefs Are Important

Corals reefs are important for a number of reasons. Not only do they provide a home and a natural habitat for thousands and thousands of sea creatures, but they also protect coastlines from waves and tropical storms.

The Great Barrier Reef – and Australia in general – forms a very active part of Marine Biology education and conservation. Hundreds of different projects are taking place to continuously protect the coastline, the corals, and the creatures that live in them. With more than 4,000 types of fish in the waters around Australia and 58 seagrass species, there is a lot at stake. Thus the ocean surrounding Australia needs careful management and protection.

Projects That Study the Marine Biology of the Great Barrier Reef

There are numerous organisations that dedicate themselves to researching and conserving the waters and creatures of the Great Barrier Reef. The Australian Marine Conservation Society is one such organisation. As the leading non-profit of its kind in the country, it promotes the study and conservation of all aquatic life in Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. It also influences decision makers through consistent research and scientific facts drawn from studies.

The Great Barrier Marine Park Authority solely focuses on the water and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. It acts as the principal adviser to the government about the goings-on in the Reef. Plus it provides protection and conservation to the diverse selection of species that live there.

The marine biology of the Great Barrier Reef is diverse and constantly changing. Conservation efforts are consistently updating to make sure this stunning natural wonder keeps providing the perfect habitat for its thousands of sea creatures.

You will receive a marine biology presentation on our Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour.

Related article: How was the Great Barrier Reef formed?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.