1.2 Extent

Extent refers to the size and shape of an ecosystem. Overall the GBR's extent is large. This in theory should make this ecosystem more resilient.

Size

The GBR is composed of 2900 individual reefs, including 750 fringing reefs attached to the mainland and offshore islands and 2150 outer reefs. The reefs range in size from a few thousand square metres up to 120 square kilometres. Around 2500 reefs have been named on charts. The GBR ecosystem also includes approximately 600 islands; of these, 250 continental islands and 70 coral cays are named on charts. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP)covers an area of 348 700 square kilometres.

Shape

The GBR has many different shaped reefs within it, from narrow Ribbon reefs to wide platform reefs. Click on each region below to get a descrioption of each areas shaped coral reefs.