Topic: Great Barrier Reef

Cyclone Yasi bears down on Australia's coast

Cyclone Yasi is due to hit north of Queensland's main waterlogged area, but emergency services are already stretched and the whole state is flood-weary.

Outside Cancún climate conference, Caribbean Sea testifies to global warming

2010 was one of the deadliest years on record for coral reefs. The Caribbean Sea just outside the Cancún climate conference offers evidence of global warming's negative effect.

Why do so many oil spills happen?

The science and history behind oil spills.

How much damage did the Shen Neng 1 do the Great Barrier Reef?

Australian arrested two Chinese sailors over the grounding of the Shen Neng 1 coal carrier on the Great Barrier Reef, and Australian investigators are looking into the extent of the damage when the ship was grounded while taking an illegal shortcut through the protected ecosystem.

Anger in Australia mounts after ship grounds on Great Barrier Reef

The Chinese coal freighter Shen Neng 1 that grounded on the Great Barrier Reef has been moved to safety. But the incident has made the public aware that freighters routinely take illegal shortcuts through the reef, and politicians are calling for steeper fines and legal action to protect it.

Best job in the world: honeymoon travel tester?

You and your spouse could get paid to test honeymoon travel spots. In the latest in a series of positions dubbed best job in the world, an Irish tourism company seeks a couple to spend six months honeymooning.

Germany: Dresden's World Heritage status falls to modern development

Finalists chosen for 'Seven Wonders of Nature' poll

Bangladesh: A new seventh wonder?

Review: 'Under the Sea 3D'

Latest IMAX 3D adventure puts you nose to nose with a dazzling array of sea creatures and makes you wish the movie were longer.

The tiny, slimy savior of global coral reefs?

Heat-tolerant algae could help the world's reefs adapt to climate change, researcher says.

Ocean acidification, global warming, and the Great Barrier Reef

The decline in the rate of reef-building along the Great Barrier Reef is severe, sudden, and unprecedented in at least 400 years. Ocean acidification is a leading suspect.

Iceland’s new island is an exclusive club – for scientists only

A UN World Heritage site that no tourist will ever set foot on, Iceland’s Surtsey is a fresh geologic creation reserved for research.

Needed: Underwater ‘national parks’

Set-asides can restore ocean balance and diversity – but all stakeholders must buy into them.

Now students take field trips online

High fuel prices make virtual field trips popular with schools – but no substitute for the real thing.

A guide to more mindful vacations

A list of travel destinations in peril – and how we can help.