The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, located off the coast of Australia. It is home to thousands of plant and animal species but is endangered due to threats like climate change, pollution, overfishing, and natural disasters. Conservation efforts include the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which manages the reef, and plans like the Reef Water Protection Plan and Biodiversity Strategy that aim to protect water quality and preserve species diversity in the reef.

1. Biodiversity in DangerThe GreatBarrierReefAngel Carney, 2010

2. Overview:Introduction to the Reef:What is a reef?Meet the Great Barrier Reef The Problem:Endangered Species of the GBRCauses of the ProblemSolutions for The ProblemReef water protection planBiodiversity strategyConclusionAngel Carney, 2010

3. What is A Reef?Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems made of tiny living animals, called corals.

4. Corals are soft, stationary animals without a backbone!

5. When the corals die, they leave behind hard structures that are the basis of the reef

6. Home to 30 different kinds of whales, 6 kinds of turtles, and over 1500 kinds of fish, PLUS sea snakes, sharks, and stingrays!

7. Home to some of the largest clams in the world!

8. Microscopic algae live on the corals and through photosynthesis, the corals “steal” nutrients from the algau, giving them their vibrant colorsAngel Carney, 2010

9. Meet the Great Barrier ReefBarrier Reefs are those that form parallel to a land mass, usually several miles away

10. Found in the shallow waters surrounding Queensland, Australia!

11. Named one of the seven wonders of the world!

12. Estimated to be 500,000Years old

13. It is the largest reef system in the world!

14. Over 344,400 square kilometers and 1,800 miles long!

15. 1,200 miles long

16. Can be seen from space!Angel Carney, 2010

17. The Problem:Due to many outside influences, Great Barrier Reef is in peril!

18. It is estimated that by the year 2100, the world will have only 30% of it’s coral reefs

19. The Great Barrier Marine Park Authority has introduced several plans to help stop this

20. Lots of the species that are native to the Great Barrier Reef, and only found there are becoming endangered!

21. Endangered animals are species that are in danger of going extinct

22. Many of the species on the reef are exclusive to this area, which means when they are gone from the reef, they are gone from the planetAngel Carney, 2010