Great Barrier Reef - ecosystem-based conservation

Question 1

How big is the great barrier reef and how many reefs are contained with in it?

Answer 1

The great barrier reef covers an area of 345,000km2 (bigger than uk and ireland combined)

3000 reefs are contained within it.

Question 2

When was the great barrier reef marine park established and how does it benefit it?

Answer 2

Established in 1975 and is managed by the GBRMP authority who have powers to protect and manage the park through the GMRMP act (1975).

GBRMP act provides legislation for the conservation and sustainable use of the GBRMP and the surrounding area.

• This protects biological diversity at the ecosystem to species level.
• (Also designate world heritage site in 1981)

Question 3

Why is GBRMP considered a conservation and economic success?

Answer 3

Because there has been a net economic value of a healthy GBR ~ $5.2 billion per year

Question 4

The great barrier reef marine park is split and protected using zones. Why use zones?

Answer 4

Zoning separates conflicting human activities and protects most vulnerable areas.

Least protected zones: central use, habitat and conservation zones. Shipping and trawling may be permitted, no oil exploration.

Most protected zones:

Marine national park (no take zones),

Scientific research zones (agreed research only)

Preservation zones (entry generally prohibited)

Question 5

List all the different zones in the great barrier reef marine park

Answer 5

Central use zone

Habitat protection zone

Conservation protection zone

Buffer zone

Scientific research zone

Marine national park zone

Preservation zone

State zoning only

Estuarine conservation zone

Question 6

How does the GBRMP work?

Answer 6

• A partnership approach with marine park users.
• Easy to follow zoning scheme and rules.
• Tourist operators contribute to a daily Environmental Management Charge.
• A ceiling is put on the number of tourists permits, (allowing for a range of boat sizes)
• Cruise ship, public and private mooring allow access without anchorage.

Incentives - longer term permits available to operators who can demonstrate best practice.

Question 7

What compliance’s and enforcement’s are there on the GBRMP?

Answer 7

• GBRMP act (no oil exploration, no discharging of waste, compulsory pilotage)
• Park officers prosecute offenders.
• Supports 54,000 jobs (mainly tourism)
• Advanced vessel monitoring systems, high resolution photography, night vision equipment.
• Forensic chemical analyses used in surveillance and for prosecutions (pollution)

Question 8

Describe the new zoning plan in 2004 and the result of it

Answer 8

included a ‘representative areas programme’ which ensures that examples of the entire range of habitats and biodiversity are represented in highly protected areas.

• There were 70 bioregions defined.
• This resulted in ‘ highly protected areas’ increasing from 4.5% to > 33%

Question 9

What are the imapcts of new zoning and ongoing threats?

Answer 9

• Costs of rezoning - adjustment package for fishing industry A$211 million by 2009. BUT this is < 4% of economic return.
• Considered a success e.g targeted fish, sharks ecosystem health.

Recent summary report showed;

• Unknown ‘resilliance’ in response to climate change.
• Declining water quality from catchment runoff
• Loss of coastal habitats due to development
• Illegal fishing and poaching