The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

EMG4103 Lect 22 FPAS, UPM

Beauty and Tourism Potential

Immense natural beauty

Introduction
Worlds largest reef system Composed of 2900 individual reefs 900 islands Stretching for over 2,600 km Area approx 344,400 km2 ( 133,000 sq. mi) Located in the coral sea off the cost of Queensland NE Australia

Gen Info
Can be seen from outer space Worlds biggest single structure made by living organism Concist of billions of tiny organism called coral polyps Supports a wide diversity of life World Heritage site since 1981 Labelled as one of the seven natural wanders of the world. Protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA)

Environmental threats
Climate Change Pollution Crown of thorns Fishing Shipping Human Use

Management
The Park is managed in partnership with the Govt of Queensland through the GBRMPA Combination of Zoning, Management plans, permits , education and incentives are employed to conserve the reef. A$5.1 B from tourism in 2005 2 m people visit the reef annually

Zoning
Multiple use area Zoning define what activities can occur Protect the marine environment Separate potential conflicts Revised zoning in 2004 as art of the GBRMPA Representative Areas Program.

2004 Zoning Plan

Extensive research Comprehensive community consultation Secure a better future Support vital social and economic benefits Including tourism Recreation Commercial activities fishing

Interpreting Zones It is important you are aware of the zone you are in while you are out on the water, so take time to check where you are going and what you can do there. Severe penalties apply for individuals breaching Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park legislation. Please Note: The activities that can be carried out within most State and Commonwealth Marine Park zones are generally the same, however there are several differences. Refer to the relevant zoning plans for further details.

Zones
Pink - no go area Green Zone- no take area Orange zone- scientific research Olive green zone buffer Yellow zone- Conservation zone Dark blue- Habitat protection Light blue general use Commonwealth Islands zone Estuarine Conservation (Brown)