Ribbon Reefs are Great Barrier Reef formations named for their narrow, elongated, ribbon-like shape.
The Ribbon Reefs form a chain along the edge of the continental shelf in the northern Great Barrier Reef. They are separated by channels and passages, creating distinctive habitats for corals, reef fish and other marine animals.
Their position near the outer reef means they can experience strong oceanic influence, including clear water and exposure to waves. These conditions help explain why the Ribbon Reefs are important sites for diving and marine research.
Ribbon reefs are one of several reef shapes found in the Great Barrier Reef. Fringing reefs grow directly along a coast or island, while platform reefs are more isolated and often roughly circular or irregular. The word “ribbon” describes the formation’s plan shape, not a type of coral animal.