GBR Management

Question 1

Marine Park Authority

Answer 1

• AUS govt $1.2billion reef protection scheme includes $253 million investment into GBR marine authority’s key programs over 9 years
• strengthens capacity to manage + protect ecosystem

Question 2

Globally reduce emissions

Answer 2

• very long-term goal
• urgent global action needed, otherwise unfixable
• planting of mangroves + seagrass helps absorb CO₂
• in shorter term, improve health of coral reefs and help adapt to climate change

Question 3

Reef Islands Initiative

Answer 3

• launched in 2018, largest reef habit rehabilitation in southern hemisphere
• bringing together scientists, local tourism leaders, govts + community to protect the reefs
• $14 million funding from AUS govt reef trust, 3 locations

Question 4

Lady Elliot Island

Answer 4

• THREAT: mining destroyed native vegetation
• 7.5 hectares revegetated, more than 4000 native coral cay trees
• removed 475 invasive umbrella trees & 95% of dragon fruit (tree climbing weed)
• 2000m² nursery w/ capacity of 6000 plants and grasses
• 100% renewable energy for the island, from 729 solar panels and 256 batteries
• RESULT: 125% increase in turtle habitat @main nesting beach

Question 5

Whitsunday Islands

Answer 5

• $2.4mil funding for reef saving, encouraging healthy reefs that are climate change resilient
• rebuilding coral reefs & mangroves
• upskilling tourism operators to carry ut important restoration work, + using tech to lead to carbon neutral

Question 6

Crown of Thorns Starfish

Answer 6

• COTS control program uses specific vessels, trained crew + strategic surveillance
• main objective is to protect coal on ‘priority’ beaches w/ high ecological + economic value
• cull COTS population densities to sustainable levels
• since 2012, more than 335 reefs protected
• more than 1.1mil COTS culled in 83,000 hectare area.
• effective protection of coral, leads to +ve results for GBR and the communities/industries reliant on it