The Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef

• The Great Barrier Reef

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Why is the Coral Reef one of the worlds natural
wonders?

• The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural
  wonders of the world.
• It is home to thousands of species of plants and
  animals.
• The reef itself provides food, pearls, treasure
  from shipwrecks, and tourism.

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Natural wonder continued

• It is of great interest to the scientific and
  medical communities of the world.
• Treatments for cancer, AIDS, asthma, arthritis,
  and other infections are being researched from
  organisms found in coral reefs.

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What value does the reef offer Australias
economy?

• The reef is very important to Australia's
  economy.
• It provides food and jobs.
• 80 of the land along the reef supports
  agriculture - from fisheries to cattle grazing to
  crops.

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Economy continued

• The reef protected beach offers white sand for
  lazing and sparking turquoise and aqua water for
  snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.

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How is the reef indanger?

• The reef is in danger.
• Run-off from land based agriculture, urban
  development, and aquaculture have all done their
  part to damage the reef.
• Oil spills and normal pollution from private
  boats and thousands of commercial vessels have
  damaged it.

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Danger continued..

• Tourists have damaged it.
• Infestation and disease have damaged it.
• Rather than use the passageways provided, ships
  push their way through the reef to save time and
  money.
• Sections of the reef are already dead. Other
  sections are dying.

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Nemo humbly requests your help!