Hi Larry, I have heard of the Great Barrier Reef but didn't know it is the largest coral reef in the world. I wonder if it is being damaged like the coral reefs in the U. S. DonnaZ

Hi DonnaZ That is a good question but I don't know I'm sure all coral reefs are being damaged somehow

Donna This I received from John Leal who lives in Austrailia The main danger to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef is oil spillage from the bulk shipping tankers. They must transverse the reef to reach the shipping terminals. When the tankers approach the reef they have to contact a pilot vessel which will guide them through the deepwater channels between the reef. Imagine the destruction if an oil tanker ran aground and deposited millions of litres of oil onto the reef.

Hi John That would be bad

Very interesting. I am glad the pilot vessels guide the shipping tankers so they can keep the Barrier Reef alive and well. DonnaZ