The Great Southern Reef (GSR) is a system of interconnected temperate rocky reefs near the southern coast of Australia. It covers 71,000 km2 and straddles five states across the southern coastline of the Australian continent, running almost 8,000 kilometers from Brisbane south around Tasmania to Kalbarri north of Perth.
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Description
Kelp forests are a defining feature of the reef. The reef supports economic activities along Australia's southern coastline, such as commercial and recreational fishing, scuba diving, surfing and other tourism. These activities contribute at least $10 billion to the Australian economy each year. Biologically, it is a unique temperate marine ecosystem, with 30 to 80% of its species found nowhere else.
Naming
The name "Great Southern Reef" was proposed by a group of researchers from the University of Western Australia in order to raise awareness of the reef. They hope that this will increase interest in studying and protecting the reef.