What are coral cays?
Coral Cays are low sand islands that form on top of coral reefs. The sand on coral cays is composed of dead coral, shells and reef animal skeletons. Waves washing around reefs deposit sediments, ground by wave and wind onto the leeward side of the reef, initially forming exposed sandbanks. Cays continue to grow and become more stable as they accumulate sediment, which in turn, reacting with water flowing through the sediment layers, forms bedrock. Birds and tides bring seeds to the cay, gradually increasing the cays soil and plant cover. To learn more about the Reef, visit: Australian Department of Environment and Heritage The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) GBRMPA provides for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef through the
