A second massive coral reef has been discovered by researchers north of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The reef is estimated to be around 6,000 square kilometers in size. Scientists from three Australian universities analyzed marine survey data using a Lidar to measure the seabed off the coast of Australia. While marine biologists knew of the existence of another reef north of the Great Barrier Reef, the true size of the coral reef surprised even the researchers. The reef is located between 20 and 40 meters deep and covers an area of over 6,000 square kilometers.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. It is home to countless species, including 359 species of hard corals, 80 species of soft corals, sea fans, over 1,500 species of fish, around 1,500 species of sponges, about 5,000 different mollusks, 800 species of echinoderms, around 500 species of seaweed, and 215 species of birds. However, the Great Barrier Reef has been facing a significant threat from coral bleaching, with around 35% of the coral already dead or dying.
The newly discovered coral reef could provide important data on environmental factors for marine researchers. The reef’s condition is currently unknown, but its discovery highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect the world’s coral reefs. The researchers hope that the discovery of this second massive coral reef will lead to further exploration and understanding of the marine ecosystem in the region.
