Belize Barrier Reef by Khorra Kelly

Geography

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-15 14:56:11 UTC

Located straddling along the coast of Belize. It is the second largest coral reef system in the world. 90% of the reef still needing to be researched it is estimated only 10% of species have been discovered. It has been described as "the most remarkable barrier reef in the West Indies."

Size

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-15 14:57:51 UTC

The Belize Barrier Reef is 300 kilometers long (190 miles)The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a large diversity of plants and animals and is one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world. It is comprised of 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, and hundreds of invertebrate species.

Human Usage

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:06:53 UTC

A lot of people use the reef for activities such as snorkeling or scuba diving. A large portion of the reef is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. It has been designated as a world heritage site since 1996 because of its exceptional natural beauty

Environmental Threats

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:14:48 UTC

Some key threats to the barrier reef include hurricanes, coral bleaching and even earth quakes. Threats from humans include over fishing, coastal and caye development, cruise ship tourism, invasive species, terrestrial runoff, ship groundings, and potential oil exploration.

Conservation

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:19:45 UTC

An organization named Green Reef is a private non-profit organization created to protect the Belize Barrier Reef. Its goal is to teach the youth about taking care of the environment and protecting the reef. Also to be a focal point on research of the reef. Another goal is to raise money to have funds in order to keep the reef living and safe.

News Article

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:29:47 UTC

Different articles about whats going on today at the reef.

News Article

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:30:54 UTC

The conditions and weather of the Belize reef.

Snorkeling

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:32:45 UTC

A short video on snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef.

Reserve System

khorramarie017 — 2018-02-20 06:35:00 UTC

This video gives details about the reserve and how it helps protect the reef.