Coral reefs in photographs. The most beautiful place in Australia - the Great Barrier Reef

The Catlin Seaview Survey is studying the health of coral reefs and their impact on global warming. As part of this project, these amazing photographs of coral reefs and their inhabitants were collected.

(Total 28 photos)

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2. Warming waters, sea acidification and increasing storms are all bad for the health of coral reefs. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

3. Using a custom-designed 360-degree camera, teams of divers from the Catlin Seaview Survey create graphical data that will help scientists map the health of reefs and catalog their species. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

4. Great camera, isn't it? (Catlin Seaview Survey)

5. And at depth, divers will use these robots ... (Catlin Seaview Survey)

6. These robots can be controlled from a boat on the surface of the water. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

7. Thanks to these images, not only scientists, but also us mere mortals can now admire the beauty of coral reefs in the Virtual Dive program. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

8. This unique and innovative program gives us the opportunity to dive in and see what scientists see. You can "sail" yourself wherever you want, using the mouse and keyboard of your computer. And all this with the help of Google Street View. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

9. A team of scientists will collect data from the Great Barrier Reef until the end of December. The global report will take about three years to complete and will cover many of the world's coral reefs. The next study is planned to take place in the Philippines. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

10. "Christmas" worms. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

11. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

12. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

14. And take off each other - for a new avatar! (Catlin Seaview Survey)

15. Panorama of Heron Island. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

16. Apo Island in the Philippines. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

17. A team of divers to explore reefs at depth. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

18. And this is a camera for studying reefs in shallow water. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

19. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

20. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

21. In company with a stingray in the waters off Heron Island. (Catlin Seaview Survey)

Coral is a structure made up of millions of very small marine animals called polyps. The polyp, which is tube-shaped, is only an inch long. At the end of this tube is a mouth surrounded by tentacles that bring sea creatures to it. The color of corals is very diverse, as well as their shapes and sizes. They have both an internal and an external skeleton. They can be soft or hard, black, smooth or prickly and other types. Some are like feathers, others are like fingers. The polyps are hollow and attach themselves to other polyps or to limestone rocks to form large structures. Almost all corals live together in groups called colonies. Very large colonies are called reefs. Polyps take calcium from seawater and turn it into limestone around their lower body. New polyps grow and the limestone structure gets bigger and bigger.

Corals live in oceans all over the world, but survive best in warm water. In tropical oceans, they form large structures called atolls. Atolls grow around old volcanoes and form ring-shaped islands. Coral polyps eat small marine animals such as jellyfish larvae. Some people need seaweed to survive. Corals can reproduce by budding. Small buds appear on the body of the polyp. They grow up and separate from their parents. Corals can also lay eggs that grow into new colonies. Some types of coral live for hundreds of years.

coral reef

A coral reef is an underwater mountain formed by coral skeletons. Reefs are also made up of other living things such as seaweed or shellfish. The coral reef has vibrant colors and can grow for hundreds of years without being destroyed by the ocean. Location of coral reefs around the world.

Reef types:

Reef line - located near the coast line they are usually the youngest reef forms
Barrier reefs are located farther from the coast they form a wall between shallow water near the coast and the open sea some barrier reefs are very large The longest - 2 thousand kilometers long The Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia
Atolls are ring-shaped reefs. They form when an old volcano erupts and sinks into the sea.
Most reefs need warm water to survive. They grow best in water that is at least between 16 and 20 degrees. Reefs also need enough sunlight to feed. Coral reefs can also be found in the warm ocean waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as in the Caribbean Sea and the east coast of central South America They usually grow very slowly, no more than 10 cm per year They can be found near the surface where they get enough sunlight

Life on coral reefs

A coral reef can have thousands of different types of corals and other organisms. This would be a record if not for the rainforests, which can contain even more different organisms. Therefore, coral reefs are called tropical forests of the sea. Many fish species live near coral reefs. Their bodies have the ability to change, which makes it possible for them to live and find food in this area. In addition, coral reefs are home to crabs, lobsters, octopuses, starfish and other invertebrates.

Significance of corals and coral reefs:

Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide, a gas that is responsible for the greenhouse effect.
Reefs protect islands and continents from waves and storms and allow other species to thrive in the shallow waters near the coast.
A coral reef is a complex ecosystem with many different types of organisms. Without reefs, they would die.
Coral skeletons are used as substances for bones and other parts of our body.
Coral reefs are living laboratories for scientists and students.
The reefs attract millions of tourists every year.
People make jewelry made from coral reefs.

Major threats to coral reefs:

Corals are not just calcareous structures created by polyps. This is one of the most incredible life forms on earth. Our top 10 includes the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

Why are corals so attractive? Firstly, their amazing natural beauty, variety of shapes, the number of colors and shades, which reaches 400. Secondly, they do not appear anywhere: corals need clean water and a warm climate. And, perhaps, the main thing is fish and other fauna of the most incredible shapes and colors, which, by their presence, creates an integral picture of indescribable beauty.

10. Barrier in the Red Sea (Egypt)

The coral reefs of the Red Sea may not be the most beautiful in the world, but they have very rare and interesting shades of some colors, such as yellow, red and pink. Corals located close to the coast attract snorkelers and divers from many countries, especially post-Soviet ones. Frankly, it was the latter fact that caused the inclusion in our top 10.

9. Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean (Seychelles) It occupies 200 km² and is notable for the fact that it has survived to this day almost in its original state. All thanks to the fact that, once a pirate island, for a long time it was well hidden and was an inaccessible place. Now the beauty of this amazing coral reef is under the protection of the local government and UNESCO. The atoll is also notable for its huge population of turtles, reaching 150,000 individuals.

8. Roatan Island in the Caribbean (Honduras)

Here is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the largest in the world. Diving began to develop here relatively recently, some 10 years ago, and man has not yet managed to exert his detrimental effect on this beautiful underwater corner of the planet. Therefore, if you want to admire the fish surrounded by pristine beauty, hurry up!

7. Palancar Reef in the Caribbean (Mexico)

Stretching for 5 km, the reef is notable for its structure: there are many underwater caves, branches and crevices where you can see quite rare black corals, and at the same time get acquainted with a variety of marine life forms. Here you can meet giant barracuda, moray eels, spotted eagle rays, spiny lobsters, crabs, lobsters, as well as many colorful tropical fish.

6. Tubbataha in the Sulu Sea (Philippines)

This is a whole national park, a World Heritage Site UNESCO. He is about 15 million years old, so he takes pride of place among the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and the most ancient. On a relatively small area (7,030 hectares) there are 75% of the corals existing on the planet (almost 400 species), and about 40% of the studied reef fish (more than 500 varieties). About 1000 species of marine animals live in the local waters, including dolphins, sharks and whales. The fact that the schedule of local tourist boats for diving is scheduled for a year in advance suggests that Tubbataha rightly got into our TOP-10.

5. Raja Ampat in the Indian Ocean (Indonesia)

According to some estimates, it is here that you can find the largest variety of marine life. No wonder this place is called World Richest Reefs(eng. the richest reefs in the world). There are over 1200 species of reef fish (25 of which are endemic). The diversity of corals is so great that it is 10 times greater than all the existing species in the Caribbean combined! On top of that, at least a hundred sunken ships and aircraft have been recorded in the vicinity. Isn't this every diver's dream?

4. Coral reefs of the Andaman Sea (India)

At one time, they delighted the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who filmed a documentary here. It was here that 111 varieties of corals were discovered, previously unknown to science. The most beautiful site is located on the territory of the National Marine Park named after Mahatma Gandhi. Here you can admire stingrays, dolphins, turtles, as well as schools of colorful fish swimming calmly around enthusiastic divers.

3. Apo in the South China Sea (Philippines)

It occupies 34 km², is home to several different ecosystems at once. The title of one of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet Apo owes much to the water with its unique transparency. On clear and calm days, visibility can exceed 50 meters. And there is something to see here: several varieties of sharks and rays, huge tunas, lobsters, gorgonians, as well as many sea snakes that make you shudder at every accidental touch, especially at night.

2. Belize Barrier Reef in the Atlantic Ocean (Belize)

It ranks second in the ranking of the best coral reefs in the world. Its length is 280 km, and on such a vast territory there is an unimaginable variety of living organisms. And the most interesting thing is that, according to scientists, the reef has been studied by only 10-15%. Therefore, among the 140 thousand divers who annually visit this place, there are many who want to become pioneers.

The highlight of this beautiful place is the so-called "Big Blue Hole". It is a blue-black circle with a diameter of 300 meters, which seems to be bottomless. Almost the only inhabitants of the cave (which is actually a “hole”) are sharks, they can be seen even from the surface. The sight is very impressive!

1. Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea (Australia)

The largest coral reef in the world is also considered the most beautiful. Its area is almost 345,000 km², this miracle of nature can be seen even from space. As a colony of coral polyps, this aquatic oasis is considered the largest ecosystem on the planet. There are over 400 varieties of corals and more than one and a half thousand species of inhabitants, including whales and sharks, octopuses and squids, parrot fish and butterfly fish, rays, crustaceans, turtles ... The Great Barrier Reef is rightly considered a valuable world heritage site.

let's talk about corals- the oldest creatures on Earth and one of the most beautiful marine life.

Great Barrier Reef- the largest population of coral polyps that formed a reef system with a length of more than 2600 kilometers. The reef is located along the northern coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef has over 2,900 independent reefs and 900 coral islands.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. About 400 species of corals, 1,500 species of fish and a variety of other animals and plants have been found here.

UNESCO has listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site. (Photo by Nicole Duplaix):

Corals are the flowers of the sea. These corals from the Philippines really look like flowers. (Photo by Tim Laman):

Corals are unusual marine animals, representatives of the coelenterates - one of the most primitive types of living creatures on Earth. This is one of the oldest groups of multicellular organisms on Earth, they have existed for many millions of years. Corals are unusual in that they have the ability to form a strong calcareous skeleton that persists after the death of the animal and contributes to the formation of atolls and reefs.

It grows up to 30 cm. It often lives at the entrance to underwater caves, at shallow depths, up to 30 meters. (Photo by Heather Perry):

Corals live in tropical and subtropical marine waters and live in water with a temperature of at least 21 degrees Celsius. Corals come in different colors (pink, red, blue, white, black), their color depends on the composition and amount of organic compounds. More than 2500 varieties of corals are known. (Photo by Tim Laman):

Red corals are called "blood foam", "flower of blood", black - "royal corals". Pink, red and black corals are considered the most valuable. The coral reef is a kind of magnet, attracting crabs, lobsters, mollusks, fish and scuba divers for various reasons. (Photo by Heather Perry):

. (Photo by Tim Laman):

(Photo by Tim Laman):

In the Cayman Islands. Coral reefs are calcareous geological structures formed by coral polyps and some types of algae. The total area of coral reefs in the world exceeds 27 million km². They are located mainly in the Pacific and Indian oceans. About 1/3 of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed. With the current trend, some reefs will be destroyed by 2030. (Photo by Raul Touzon):

In Papua New Guinea. The word "coral" in our mind is always associated with something solid. , fragile. However, there are also soft corals, which, as the name suggests, lack a solid, hard skeleton. Soft corals can occupy fairly large areas on a reef. Many species of soft corals shrink into shapeless clumps during the day, only to spread out at dusk. Therefore, their exquisite beauty can only be fully appreciated during a night dive. (Photo by Wolcott Henry):

Alcyonaria or soft corals- the most numerous order of eight-pointed corals. They are widely distributed in the seas and oceans, occurring from the polar regions to the equator and from the littoral to great depths. (Photo by Wolcott Henry):

in New Zealand. They create an underwater forest for colorful reef fish and can live for 300 years. (Photo by Brian Skerry):

Corals in the National park Komodo, which is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

And clown fish

Named in honor of Medusa Gorgon:

Green acropora tenuis coral:

Another representatives soft corals:

Soft violet coral:

bright red soft coral:

Let's talk about corals - one of the most beautiful marine life.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest population of coral polyps and has formed a reef system over 2,600 kilometers long. The reef is located along the northern coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef has over 2,900 independent reefs and 900 coral islands.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. About 400 species of corals, 1,500 species of fish and a variety of other animals and plants have been found here.

UNESCO has listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site.

Corals are the flowers of the sea. These corals from the Philippines really look like flowers.

Coelenterates from the island of Palau. Corals are unusual marine animals, representatives of the coelenterates, one of the most primitive types of living creatures on Earth. This is one of the oldest groups of multicellular organisms on Earth, they have existed for many millions of years. Corals are unusual in that they have the ability to form a strong calcareous skeleton that persists after the death of the animal and contributes to the formation of atolls and reefs.

Bright red sun coral. It grows up to 30 cm. It often lives at the entrance to underwater caves, at shallow depths, up to 30 meters.

Branching coral. Red corals are called “blood foam”, “flower of blood”, black ones are called “royal corals”. Pink, red and black corals are considered the most valuable. The coral reef is a kind of magnet, attracting crabs, lobsters, mollusks, fish and scuba divers for various reasons.

Fluorescent green coral.

Anchor coral.

Coral reef in the Cayman Islands. Coral reefs are calcareous geological structures formed by coral polyps and some types of algae. The total area of coral reefs in the world exceeds 27 million km². They are located mainly in the Pacific and Indian oceans. About 1/3 of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed. With the current trend, some reefs will be destroyed by 2030.

Soft corals in Papua New Guinea. The word "coral" in our mind is always associated with something hard, fragile. However, there are also soft corals, which, as the name suggests, lack a solid, hard skeleton. Soft corals can occupy fairly large areas on a reef. Many species of soft corals shrink into shapeless clumps during the day, only to spread out at dusk. Therefore, their exquisite beauty can only be fully appreciated during a night dive.

Alcyonaria or soft corals are the most numerous order of eight-pointed corals. They are widely distributed in the seas and oceans, occurring from the polar regions to the equator and from the littoral to great depths.

Coral Reef:

Black (royal) corals in New Zealand. They create an underwater forest for colorful reef fish and can live for 300 years.

Soft corals:

Corals in Komodo National Park, which is located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

mushroom corals:

Sea lilies on coral:

Christmas sea feathers:

hard coral:

Soft corals and clownfish:

Sea lily:

Red Gorgonian corals named after Medusa Gorgon:

Acropora tenuis coral: