The Weedy Sea Dragon is the only species belonging to the Phyllopteryx genus. This fish species is a close relative of the seahorse and the Leafy Sea Dragon. It is found in different states of Australia.
NOAA is working to understand and address key threats to coral reef ecosystems: the impacts from global climate change, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution. The top threats to coral reefs â global climate change, unsustainable fishing and land-based pollution â are all due to human activities. These threats, combined with others such as tropical storms, disease outbreaks, vessel damage, marine debris and invasive species, exacerbate each other.
Australia's Great Barrier Reefâthe world's largest coral reefâis a unique marine ecosystem threatened by global warming. Damage to the reef could harm the region's biodiversity, tourism, and fisheries.1  The reef has suffered eight mass coral bleaching events since 1979, triggered by unusually high water temperatures.ustralia's Great Barrier Reefâthe world's largest coral reefâis a unique marine ecosystem threatened by global warming. Damage to the reef could harm the region's biodiversity, tourism, and fisheries. 1  The reef has suffered eight mass coral bleaching events since 1979, triggered by unusually high water temperatures.