Home Exhibits &
Events
Science & Education Members & Volunteers Visitor Information Queensland
Reef Sector
Our Reef Sector is dedicated to reefs in all their forms. This include coral reefs, sand bard, and even specially constructions or sunken ships. Many reefs result from abiotic processes-deposition of sand, wave erosion planning down rock outcrops, and other natural processes-but the best-known reefs are those of tropical waters developed through biotic processes dominated by corals and calcareous algae.
Although "reefs" can be created artificially either by special construction or through deliberately sinking ships, these are not really reefs, as it is seldom the case that an artificial obstruction would be created that is a hazard to shipping. These are structures created to enhance physical complexity on generally featureless sand bottoms in order to attract a diverse assemblage of organisms, especially fishes. Thus, "artificial reef" is a misnomer.
Home Exhibits &
Events
Science &
Education
Members &
Volunteers
Visitor
Information
Queensland