I originally visited the Great Barrier Reef for the first time in 2014. Recently with the extensive coral bleaching in Australia and elsewhere an update was published in May 2016. Last month I watched a three-part BBC documentary on Netflix on the Great Barrier Reef written and hosted by Sir David Attenborough in 2015. Following is information for those in Canada who may wish to view the three one-hour long series starting tomorrow.

Coral Bleaching Lizard Island. Courtesy XL Caitlan

Turtle on bleached coral Heron Is. Credit XL Catlin Seaview Survey. — Turtle on bleached coral Heron Is.

"Do we care so little about the Earth on which we live that we don't wish to protect
one of its greatest wonders,

from the consequences of our behavior."

~ Sir David Attenborough - Great Barrier Reef (BBC documentary 2015)

The Great Barrier Reef Documentary

The documentary is available on subscription channel 106, Documentary Canada. Local B.C. times seem to be 5 - 6 pm and 9 - 10 pm on the following dates. Check your local listings. Watch the programs to understand what is at risk in this incredible area of our world which has changed forever...

1 Builders - a look at the reef and how it grows and spreads during the fascinating annual spawning coral event when life begins on the reef. There are over 400 species of coral living on the reef

May 19, 2016 : Great Barrier Reef - #1

2 Visitors - a small understanding of the many visitors such as turtles and fish, Tiger sharks and manta rays. many of these animals travel up to 6,000 miles a trip to breed or feed

May 26, 2016 : Great Barrier Reef - #2

3 Survival - the massive destruction of annual cyclones on the coral reefs each November

June 2, 2016 : Great Barrier Reef - #3

“[The Reef] is splendid, beautiful, remarkable, and wonderful. It touches the human imagination and the human spirit and it’s very precious.” - David Attenborough

In contrast here is recent ABC footage of the Great Barrier Reef after coral bleaching

Links & References

Dr. David Wachenfeld, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Park Authority, Coral Bleaching Update, April, 2016
Dr. David Wachenfeld, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Park Authority, Coral Bleaching Update, May 13, 2016
Thumbnail photo credits Credit XL Catlin Seaview Survey

The Great Barrier Reef Documentary

Links & References

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