MUST SEE: Turtle's-eye view of Great Barrier Reef
Digital Reporter
Monday, July 6, 2015, 9:44 AM - It's a beautiful experience that goes beyond the surface.
The World Wildlife Fund recently released vivid footage of the Great Barrier Reef from a rather unique perspective -- through the eyes of a sea turtle.
Viewers can marvel at the world's largest system of coral reefs through a GoPro camera placed on the back of a turtle, watching as it swims along the Reef and returns to the surface for air, before eventually knocking the camera off.
The fascinating clip speaks to a much greater message about marine biodiversity and the protection of ocean wildlife.
"For more than 100 million years, sea turtles have covered vast distances across the world's oceans, filling a vital role in the balance of marine habitats," The WWF notes on its official website.
The video follows recent deliberation by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee about the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. A social media campaign, identified by the hashtag "#SOSReef," urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage leaders to keep the reef off the "in-danger list," and work towards protection and recovery plans.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted unanimously in favour of keeping the reef off the in-danger list; however, there is mutual agreement that the reef is in poor condition.
By keeping the Reef off "the worst category of endangerment shows that Australia has made huge strides in trying to save it from destruction," said Australian environmental minister Greg Hunt, Business Insider reports.
A huge thank you for joining #SOSreef. https://t.co/IvRhGntLUM pic.twitter.com/zbdQpd46Yp
— WWF-New Zealand (@WWFNewZealand) July 2, 2015
Despite this leap in progress, Australia still has a long way to go in upholding its promise to reduce pollution by 80 per cent by 2025.
Many scientists list climate change as the leading long-term threat to the coral ecosystem, The Guardian reports. The WWF also lists "dumping of dredged materials and spoil" as a primary cause of harm to the reef.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted to maintain pressure on Australia to honour its promise to restore health and livelihood to the reef.
Breaking news! @UNESCO WHC #GreatBarrierReef decision: AU Govt on probation over Reef health. #SOSReef pic.twitter.com/8AF8FZfoBU
— WWF-New Zealand (@WWFNewZealand) July 1, 2015
According to the WWF, "[t]he Great Barrier Reef is home to almost 6000 species."
SOURCES: WWF | Business Insider | The GuardianThumbnail image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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