Great Barrier Reef

Describe 3 things you learned about the Great Barrier Reef and its surroundings.  What did you enjoy most about having this experience?

The first thing I learned about the Great Barrier Reef is that not only is it a world heritage site but it meets all the potential criteria to be one while most world heritage sites only meet one. I found this very impressive because I already knew it was such an impressive natural occurrence but did not realize this. I was also surprised to hear how the reef has been around for a long time but many parts of it have died. The place we visited was not around one hundred thousand years ago due to an ice age making it pretty young for a coral reef. My biggest surprise of this trip, however, was the lack of emphasis on conservation. They barely mentioned preservation of the reef and this came as a shock to me. There was no talk of coral bleaching or the effect global warming is having on the reef. Based on research I have done this is one of the most important things I know about the reef. Humans are responsible for destroying the reef and it is our responsibility to preserve it for the sake of the wildlife there and so that other people can experience it. Surprisingly though none of this was mentioned. The next most impressive thing though that was discussed about the reef is that it is the worlds largest living thing. The Great Barrier Reef is massive and it is interesting to think about how little we truly saw. The two best parts for me at the reef was that I finally went Scuba diving. This is one thing I have never done and was a little afraid to do but to see everything up close and just go diving was an incredible experience. My only regret with it is that I wish I could have done it longer. I have been snorkeling many times so this was a natural step for me and seeing the ocean in that way was incredible. The next best thing but probably my favorite moment of the trip was my personal encounter with a sea turtle. Back in second grade I had to write an endangered animal report and I wrote about all the types of sea turtles. Ever since then I have had a fascination and a love for sea turtles. The moment I experienced with the sea turtle at the reef was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity. Watching this sea turtle try and find food and swim around for twenty minutes was amazing. The most incredible part was how close it let me be to it and even allowed me to touch it. That moment is likely something I will never forget.

smarsden

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