Over-fishing and illegal fishing can compromise the long-term sustainability of stocks and impact the resilience of the marine ecosystem. Home The Reef Animals. Crinoid - Great Barrier Reef To report sick, injured or dead marine animals call the Wildlife Hotline on More than just fish and coral The Great Barrier Reef is home to a stunning array of animals, from microscopic plankton to whales weighing more than tonnes.
More than just fish and coral, the Reef supports: species of fish, including coral reef species More than species of molluscs shells species of echinoderm starfish, sea urchins 14 breeding species of sea snakes species of birds including 22 species of seabirds and 32 species of shorebirds Six of the world's seven species of marine turtle 30 species of whales and dolphins One of the world's most important dugong populations species of sharks and rays Species of conservation concern The Great Barrier Reef is a refuge for many species of conservation concern.
We work to protect marine animal species that are threatened, iconic or at risk. Fishing sustainability concerns Over fishing has caused significant population declines of saucer scallop Amusium balloti , east coast Australian snapper Pagrus auratus and pearl perch Glaucosoma scapulare.
Snapshot of Reef animals Marine mammals whales, dolphins , dugong , seals More than 30 species of marine mammals are found along the Great Barrier Reef. Bottlenose dolphins, humpback and dwarf minke whales are frequently seen while other species such as Bryde's whales are seldom seen or perhaps seldom recognised.
The Great Barrier Reef is an important habitat for dugong. Birds, seabirds and shorebirds Islands and cays along the Great Barrier Reef support breeding populations of 22 seabird species. Areas of international significance for migratory and resident species of shorebirds are found on, or adjacent, to the Great Barrier Reef. Marine turtles Six of the worlds seven species of marine turtle occur on the Great Barrier Reef with globally significant nesting areas for four of these found in the Region.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Great Barrier Reef at 'terminal stage' after latest coral bleaching data. More about coral reefs Great Barrier Reef Fish. The algae absorb light from the sun and subsequently feed the coral.
The algae also give the corals their bright colours. Corals are, in fact, nocturnal and it is under the cover of darkness that the polyps emerge from their outer casings to catch small creatures that pass by.
The reef is further out than you may think. Whilst coral reefs thrive in warm, shallow waters, these are not always close to shore. A barrier reef is defined as a coral reef running parallel to the shore but separated by a large lagoon. The threats to the reef are numerous Sadly, the reef is struggling to survive with climate change being the main threat.
Rising sea temperatures and pollution leave the coral more susceptible to bleaching and, tragically, eventual death. Tourism can also play a role, with swimmers and divers touching and damaging parts of the reef as well as leaving behind rubbish and contaminating the waters with sun cream and other pollutants. It is the algae which give the corals their colour so, of course, no algae means a bleached, colourless reef. Damselfish: From the bland-coloured reticulated damsel to the black and white striped humbug, damselfish are a common sight in most reef locations.
Grouper: These are large, stout and docile creatures that are generally less colourful than other species. Parrotfish: This fish gets its name not only from its brightly coloured patterns, but also its beak-shaped mouth. Surgeonfish: A school of these vivid fish is an incredible sight. Perhaps the most famous type is the blue tang surgeonfish, also made famous as Dory in Finding Nemo. Triggerfish: Also brightly coloured, triggerfish can be identified by the distinctive patterns on their body and seemingly pouty expression!
Wrasse: There are all shapes, sizes and colours of this common class of fish.
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