The Reef

Home to Many Protected Species

The Great Barrier Reef is home to a stunning array of animals, from microscopic plankton to whales weighing more than 100 tonnes. If you are counting, you will find 1625 species of fish, more than a thousand species of hard and soft corals, 3000 plus species of molluscs (shells) and a mere 630 species of echinoderm (starfish, sea urchins). And the list goes on.

These are well known facts. But what you may not know is that the Reef is home to a very large number of Protected Species. These species are of "conservation concern" due to threats such as climate change impacts, overharvesting and fishing, pollution, and habitat loss. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has designated these species as "no-take" species, meaning they cannot be taken from the waters.

For a protected species, the Reef is not only their home, it is their refuge.

Now, you must be wondering, what animals are listed as Protected Species? Here is the surprisingly, long list.

Corals: all corals are protected (some permitted exceptions)

Molluscs (Shells): helmet shells, triton shells, giant clam

Fish: Seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons, potato cod, Queensland grouper, cods and groupers (Epinephelus) >100cm, barramundi cod, Māori wrasse, freshwater sawfish, whale shark, grey nurse shark, great white shark, manta ray

Reptiles: sea snakes, crocodiles, flatback turtle, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, leatherback turtle, loggerhead turtle, olive ridley turtle

Birds: all birds are protected species

Seals: Southern fur seal

Dugong: the one and only

Cetaceans: whales and dolphins

We all have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of the Protected Species, particularly when visiting the Reef. The simple and most effective rule is to “take only pictures and leave only bubbles”.

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