BACKGROUND
Welcome to the Great Southern Reef (GSR), an interconnected system of temperate reefs.
Unlike tropical reefs, which are primarily built by corals, the Great Southern Reef is formed by rocky reefs which support kelp forests. Below is a map of the distribution of the GSR which is 8,000km long from Kalbarri in Western Australia to Coolangatta in Queensland.
Image: © Gergo Rugli
Above: Map of the Great Southern Reef
Below: Golden Kelp (Ecklonia radiata)
The distribution of the Great Southern Reef is characterised by the presence of Golden Kelp (above).
However today’s lesson takes us to the waters of Tasmania, known for it’s Giant Kelp forests (below).
Below are observations of Giant Kelp in Australia
Click on the map above to open iNaturalist and zoom out on the interactive map.
How many Australian states is giant kelp found in?
Is giant kelp found elsewhere in the world? Which other countries?