New Caledonian barrier reef facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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Northern tip of Grande Terre
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| Location | New Caledonia (state party: France) |
| Includes |
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| Criteria | Natural: (vii), (ix), (x) |
| Inscription | 2008 (32nd Session) |
| Area | 1,574,300 ha (3,890,000 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 1,287,100 ha (3,180,000 acres) |
The New Caledonian barrier reef is a huge underwater wall of coral located in New Caledonia. This island nation is found in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the longest continuous barrier reef in the world. It is also the third largest overall, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
This amazing reef wraps around Grande Terre, which is New Caledonia's biggest island. It also surrounds Ile des Pins and many smaller islands. The reef stretches for about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). Inside the reef is a large lagoon covering 24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi). This lagoon is usually about 25 meters (82 feet) deep. The reefs can be as close as 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the shore. However, they reach almost 200 kilometers (120 miles) to the Entrecasteaux reefs in the northwest. This part of the reef includes the Belep Islands and other sandy islands called cays. There are several natural openings in the reef that lead to the open ocean. One important passage, called Boulari, leads to Nouméa. Nouméa is the capital city and main port of New Caledonia. The Amédée lighthouse helps guide ships through this passage.
In 2008, the New Caledonian barrier reef and its lagoon were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This means it is a very special place that needs to be protected. It was chosen because of its incredible beauty and its unique shape. It is one of the few reefs that completely encircles a large island. It also has an amazing variety of sea life, especially different kinds of coral.
Contents
Discovering the Reef's Amazing Life
The reef systems around New Caledonia are thought to be the second largest in the world. They are only smaller than Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the longest continuous barrier reef, stretching 1,600 kilometers (990 miles). Its lagoon is the biggest in the world, covering 24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi). This special place, along with Fiji, has the most diverse types of reef structures. There are 146 different kinds based on a global system. The New Caledonian reef even has more types of coral and fish than the much larger Great Barrier Reef.
The reef is home to a huge number of different species. Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth. Scientists have found 2,328 different kinds of fish here. These fish belong to 248 different families. The reef also protects the third-largest group of endangered dugongs (Dugong dugon). These gentle sea creatures are sometimes called "sea cows." It is also a very important place for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) to lay their eggs.
The lagoons of New Caledonia are full of other marine animals. There are over 2,000 different kinds of molluscs, like snails and clams. A healthy group of humpback whales also lives here.
Protecting the Reef: Environmental Challenges
Most parts of the reefs are generally in good condition. However, some reefs on the eastern side have been harmed. This damage comes from runoff from nearby land activities. Things like sedimentation from farming and grazing have affected reefs near river mouths. This problem is made worse when mangrove forests are destroyed. Mangroves are special trees that grow in salty water and help to hold soil in place. Some reefs have even been buried under several meters of mud. In 2008, a study of reefs close to the northwest shore warned that many could die within years. This would happen if the current problems with mud and silt runoff continued.
To help protect these precious areas, local communities are involved. There are 13 local groups made up of people who work with tourists, fishermen, and local leaders. These groups work together with the community to check on the health of the lagoons.
Fun Activities: Exploring the Reef
Scuba Diving is a popular activity in the lagoon and around the reef. There are many great places to dive. Some famous dive spots include the Prony needle, the Shark Pit, and the Cathedral. These places let people explore the amazing underwater world of the New Caledonian reef.
Images for kids
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This part of the lagoon, near Dumbéa and Païta, in the North-West of Nouméa, is not included in the UNESCO world heritage sites.
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ASTER image of the lagoons
See also
- List of reefs
