Australia's Great Barrier Reef now even greater

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) -- Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which covers the biggest coral structure in the world, has been expanded to include 12 new areas covering 386 square miles (1,000 square km).

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Australian Environment Minister Robert Hill said on Tuesday the new areas included dugong habitats, seabird nesting colonies, reef systems, rocky headlands and sandy beaches.

The Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage listing, runs almost 1,250 miles (2,000 km) from near Papua New Guinea down Australia's northeast coast.

A further six areas are expected to be added to the marine park soon and another 10 areas were being assessed for inclusion, Hill said.

The Marine Park was established in 1975 to protect the reefs, and is the largest marine park in the world.

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Environment Australia

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