Great Barrier Reef
By Rachel Shuster
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is a favorite destination of scuba divers, underwater explorers, and lovers of exotic, romantic tropical islands. It is a succession of reefs extending from just south of the Tropic of Capricorn off the Queensland coast to Torres Strait in the north.
Alert people on a boat if you go diving. Divers have been left behind.
- Hazards in the water: Stingrays, stonefish, and other dangerous creatures are in the water
- Things to do: Scuba diving and wilderness tours are available.
- What to bring: lots of sunblock, underwater camera, suitable footwear, strong mosquito repellent, and PADI scuba diving certificate
- Commercial development restrictions
Great Florida Reef
The only living coral barrier reef in the United States.
- Recreational boats are used, recreational activities occur in the water, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
- Beware of what you step on in the water: even the slightest touch to the coral can damage it.
- Boat anchors have crushed the coral on impact.
- A long winter season can decrease the temperature to the point where the coral dies. Higher temperatures can also cause coral bleaching. The rise in sea level is a continuing problem in the Florida Reef.
- The amount of visitors per year should be monitored and restricted because of the problems that may occur in the reef.