From Thursday Island on the north-east tip of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea stretches south for 1,600 miles embracing a collection of almost 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands. A UNESCO heritage site since 1981, it is acclaimed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the only one visible from space.

The English navigator Captain James Cook would not have known, when he discovered it in 1770 during his charting of Australia and the southern oceans, that it was something special. He would be more preoccupied that the reefs were responsible for damage to the hull of his ship HMS Endeavour, than realising His Majesty's vessel was the first to be kissed by a wonder of the world.

Still, that was almost 240 years ago, and things have changed since. Time has not been kind to the Great Barrier Reef. Having flourished for millions of years, sustaining marine life in abundance, creating oxygen for the planet on a par with the rainforests, like many other of nature's gems, it is now under attack.

There are two enemies. Man and climate change. It could be argued that one created the other and vice versa. Few would disagree, but the life which the reef sustains will be oblivious to that, even though their survival depends on our actions.

The reef is comprised of over 350 species of hard and soft coral, and home to more than 1500 species of fish, 4000 types of mollusc and shellfish, as well as 200 species of seabirds.

In addition there are 30 species of marine animals ranging from octopus, jellyfish and turtles, to dolphins, Humpback and Dwarf Minke whales, Hammerhead Sharks, Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Groupers, It is possibly the most diverse animal kingdom in the world.

New organisms and species are being created everyday. The reefs are crucial to the aquatic food chain, be it phytoplankton or crustaceans. Coral is comprised of millions of living animals called polyps. They share a symbiotic relationship with algae. They depend on a delicate balance with each other to benefit from photosynthesis.

If the balance is disturbed, the algae flourishes and chlorophyll is produced. This shuts out the sunlight which coral needs to thrive. Consequently the coral dies, and the dependent marine life suffers.

As the temporary custodians of the planet, we have a duty to protect this valuable resource for future generations. Let's hope the tide is turning.

Learn more about this author, Bar De Ness.
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