Benefits
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                    The greatest benefit brought by the Great Barrier Reef is from its contribution to Australia’s economy. The Great Barrier Reef brings profits from tourism and creates jobs through its fisheries. The estimated amount of money brought in by the Great Barrier Reef is ~$5.4 billion. Tourism alone produces  ~5.1 billion. The reef provides over 54,000 full-time jobs, not only in Australia but in 100 of other countries as well. Aside working in the favor of the economy. The Great Barrier Reef contributes to the training and operations of Australia’s defense services, which has very little undesirable physical impact on the reefs. The reef is a home to millions of aquatic and fish species. It is a natural barrier that protects costal communities. (8)

Chart from Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report of 2009 showing the benefits the GBR has on Australian economy(2)

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GBR, Tourist Attraction


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*Fun Fact #2*
DID YOU KNOW???


The story line for the movie, Finding Nemo, was based on the Great Barrier Reef. Marlin the clown fish lives in the Great Barrier Reef, which is also were he loses his son Nemo. Marlin then ventures out in search of Nemo and along the way he makes new friends that help him overcome the obstacles that come along from roaming the sea. Crush and Squirt, the green sea turtles, are example of threatened species of turtles. Bruce, the great white shark, is an example of an endangered species in the Great Barrier Reef.(7)