Which species are present in Ningaloo Reef?

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest1807
   

   Although most famed for its whale sharks which feed there during March to June, the reef is also rich in coral and other marine life. During the winter months, the reef is part of the migratory routes for dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales. The beaches of the reef are an important breeding ground of the loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. They also depend on the reef for nesting and food. The Ningaloo supports an abundance of fish (500 species), corals (300 species), molluscs (600 species) and many other marine invertebrate. The reef is less than half a kilometre offshore in some areas, such as Coral Bay.
   In 2006, researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science discovered in the marine park’s deeper waters gardens of sponges that are thought to be species completely new to science.
   The Australian Federal Minister for Environment Protection Peter Garrett announced on Wednesday 6 January 2010 that Ningaloo Reef would be nominated for World Heritage listing. The nomination will be assessed over the next 18 months by the World Heritage Centre in Paris, France.

   Report (0) (0)  |   12 years, 8 month(s) ago