Yesterday, I was so excited because I was going to dive into the Great Barrier Reef!
My name is Mercan, which means “coral” in English, and that’s why I am really interested in coral reefs. Today, I want to tell you everything about the Great Barrier Reef.
First, let me give you a bit of information about the Great Barrier Reef. As we can understand from its name, it is so big that it covers an area with over 600 islands. It is the largest coral reef on Earth and is located in Queensland, Australia. The reef is home to many species, including coral polyps (tiny marine organisms that build the reef).
Second, I want to share my experience. When we arrived, the staff gave us a short training session on diving skills. Eventually, we were ready to dive! The first thing we saw was the colorful corals, which were so fascinating that I will never forget them. Another amazing thing was the reef’s huge ecosystem. There were so many fish of different species! Small fish were eating coral polyps, and big fish (even sharks!!!) were eating the smaller fish.
Lastly, I want to tell you about something that made me sad. When our dive ended, a staff member told me that the corals were dying due to climate change and water pollution. First, they lose their colors, and then they die. The Great Barrier Reef is protected from human activities like fishing or coral hunting for medicine, but unfortunately, this isn’t enough to fully protect it. After learning this, I did some research and became more aware of climate change and pollution. I hope that everyone becomes aware too, not just for corals but for all living creatures.
Note: Unfortunately, this experience is not possible because tourism at the Great Barrier Reef is no longer allowed. 🙁