The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

1. Facts

   • 2300 km long and at 344,400km2
   • size of Japan
   • the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem (can be seen from outer space)
   • World Heritage Site
   • one of the seven natural wonders of the world
   • Location: off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia

2. Values

   • Environmental
     • biodiversity
       • provides a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals
       • over 2900 individual reef, 700 species of coral, 1500 species of fish and 4000 species of molluscs
   • Economic
     • worth AU$56 billion (£33 billion)
     • tourism, fishing, recreational and scientific activities provide jobs (over 64,000) and income which contribute to the country’s GDP
     • fishing industry
       • worth AU$1 billion annually
       • provides around 2000 jobs
       • for commercial, recreation or food
     • tourism
       • major tourist attraction (scuba diving)
       • attracts over 2 million visitors each year
       • worth AU$29 billion
       • generates around AU$5-6 billion of income per year
   • Social
     • people would like to leave the Great Barrier Reef to future generations to enjoy
     • 93% of Australians and 83% of international respondents agree that the Great Barrier Reef is an iconic Australian landmark that contributes to Australia’s national identity and international standing

3. Threats

   • Climate change
     • Global warming
     • Rising sea temperatures
     • Increased frequency of severe weather events
     • Ocean acidification
     • Rising sea levels
   • Marine pollution - poor water quality
   • Human activity

4. Management (The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)

   • Zoning
     • designed to protect the biodiversity within the planning area and ensure its sustainability while reserving some areas for public enjoyment
     • defines the activities that can occur in which locations - level of protection increases from General Use Zones up to the most restrictive Preservation Zones
     • each zone has different rules for the activities that are allowed, prohibited or require a permit
   • Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan
     • released by the Australian and Queensland governments in March 2015
     • the overarching framework for protecting and managing the Reef until 2050
     • strengthens Australia’s management to the Reef to protect and preserve the living reef and its Outstanding Universal Value
     • based on the best available scientific research