Coral Reef in Danger
A few miles off the coast of Belize lies one of the world’s great natural wonders, a coral reef extending for 185 miles. After the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world. The reef is a haven for more than one million species; therefore it is one of the richest wildlife areas in the world. It is not surprising that thousands of people flock to the area each year to gaze at the breath‑taking beauty of this underwater world through diving masks or glass‑bottomed boats. Coral reefs are living organisms composed of the skeletons of billions of tiny marine animals. They take many thousands of years to grow. Each small section of reef is home to thousands of sea creatures: tiny brightly coloured fish, spiny lobsters, sea turtles and conch. Larger fish like barracuda, stingrays and the harmless nurse shark abound in the Belize Barrier Reef, and manatees can often be seen there. Human activity has caused considerable damage to the reef. Many of the species living on the reef are now endangered through over-fishing. Often boats anchor on the reef itself; their heavy anchors crush the coral. Reef walking has become a popular activity for many visitors; however, walking on reefs damages the fragile coral and sponges. Many people break off pieces of coral; they like to keep them as souvenirs of their holiday. If these activities continue, large sections of the reef will be destroyed. The reef is under threat; however, there is still time to save it. Conservation groups are working with local boat companies so that the owners and their staff understand the importance of protecting the coral. If the reef disappeared, there would be nothing for visitors to see, and the boat owners would lose their livelihoods.
• Ask students where they might find this article ( encyclopaedia, website, newspaper ). Discuss the audience and purpose. Is it the same as the flyer, or different? How do they know that? Compare and contrast the two texts. What is similar about them? What is different?
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