Post on 25-Feb-2016
description
Great Barrier Reef
Facts•Larger than the Great Wall of China•Only living thing on Earth visible from space•1,800 miles long•500,000 years old•Approx 3,400 individual reefs that make up the barrier reef
Diversity of LifeIn the Reef
•2,800 species of fish•400 different types of coral•500 species of sea weed•215 species of bird•15 species of sea snake•6 species of sea turtles
Coral
•Coral reefs are found in shallow water, ranging to depths of 60m•Water temperatures range from 64 – 91F•Generally occur in large numbers as colonies of individual polyps linked by tissue•Size – individual polyps range from 3-56mm in diameter or height - colony size varies from 75 – 1500mm
Dangers on the ReefThe reef has many species of marine
life that can be potentially fatal to humans!
www.barrierreefaustralia.com
Irukandgi Jellyfish• Mostly found in deeper waters of the reef•Small jellyfish approx 2cm diameter bell•Divers & snorkelers are at risk•Initial sting is usually not very painful; however, 30 minutes after a person usually has severe backache or headache & shooting pains in their muscles, chest & abdomen
Box Jelly Fish
•Possibly one of the most dangerous creatures on the reef•Mainly found around river mouths & muddy shadow waters, they rarely inhabit the reef islands•“Stinger season” is from November to March
Blue Ringed Octopus
•Size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes•There is no know antidote•Resides in rock pools & coral•“Glow” effect when provoked or is defensive – most dangerous at this time
Cone Shells•Look very pretty•Several types are known to be very dangerous to humans
Lion Fish•Venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds
Stone Fish•Can inflict excruciating pain & possible death•Dwell on stony, muddy bottom areas•Visitors walking on the beaches (especially at low tide) should always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole.
Sea Snakes•Approx 15 species can be found on the reef•Normally not aggressive•No reported deaths!!•ALL OF THEM PRODUCE LETHAL VENOM
Stingrays
•Stingrays’ tail can inflict serious lacerations & deep wounds
Reef Fleet Terminal