Protecting the Reef for the Future

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is 348 000 km² in size and is one of the largest World Heritage areas in the world. It was recognised for its example of representing the major stages in the earth’s evolutionary history. The Reef is one of the richest areas in terms of faunal diversity and its great diversity reflects the maturity of an ecosystem which has evolved over millions of years.

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is probably the best-known marine protected area in the world, with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in charge of managing all aspects of the Marine Park in partnership with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). The Australian Government agency works towards the Marine Park’s long-term protection and ecological sustainability, as well as understanding and enjoyment for all Australians and the international community, through the care and development of the Marine Park.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the healthiest coral reef systems on earth and nowhere else in the world can visitors have such high quality experiences. Best practice management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and a firm commitment from the tourism industry to its conservation has ensured that it has remained resilient and in good health. Check out the great work being done by our Great Barrier Reef experts.

Reef Initiatives

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The Sightings Network

The Sightings Network is a community based program to capture the unique, interesting, unusual and awe-inspiring experiences people have on the Great Barrier Reef. In collaboration with the tourism industry, the program bridges the gap in knowledge of species abundance and diversity that exists due to the enormity of the Great Barrier Reef. With more eyes out there, the more we will know. The more we know, the better we can manage the Marine Park.

Eye on the Reef

The Eye on the Reef is a partnership between the tourism industry, the GBRMPA and the reef research community. Selected tourism operators collect a range of biological information at frequently visited reef and island sites. It is also a successful partnership between reef managers and the community to detect large-scale coral bleaching. The information collected through the Eye on the Reef program strongly contributes to ensuring the Great Barrier Reef is effectively managed.

Reef Guardian Council

The Reef Guardian Council program seeks to raise awareness and encourage best management practice in local government activities, while recognising that effective protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef requires partnerships at all levels of government, industry and the community. There are currently 13 councils along the Great Barrier Reef coastline, which includes all councils from Bundaberg to Cooktown, signed up to the program. This stewardship initiative is a key component in managing the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Guardian Schools

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Schools program provides students, teachers and their communities with the opportunity to instigate positive change for the environment in the face of emerging threats like climate change. Schools recognise that they can be part of the solution, and can participate in building the resilience of the Reef through habitat rehabilitation, water quality initiatives, waste minimisation as well as direct emission reductions such as energy saving and transport initiatives. More than 60 000 students in the Great Barrier Reef catchment are working towards a healthier Reef for the future and helping the GBRMPA with its management actions.

ReefTemp

ReefTemp is a collaborative project between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), CSIRO Marine Research, and the Bureau of Meteorology. ReefTemp is the first sea-surface temperature monitoring and mapping product in Australia tailored specifically for coral bleaching and builds on pioneering work done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ReefTemp is used to monitor increases in sea surface temperature which can trigger coral bleaching events. This program is gathering valuable data which effectively aids in the management of the Marine Park.

Reef Heroes

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Gordonvale State School

Gordonvale State School won the Reef Guardian Champions award for a raft of sustainability initiatives, including the school’s efforts in rehabilitating O’Leary’s Creek.

The Reef Guardian School focused on a whole community approach to sustainability, particularly on catchment care.

By rejuvenating lost wetlands, Gordonvale is directly helping to build the health of the Great Barrier Reef and its supporting habitats. We can all do something to help manage the Reef.

Marine Monitoring Program

Low Isles caretaker Rick Kilpatrick is one of many volunteers helping to manage the Marine Park by participating in the Marine Monitoring program.

Tourism operators, community volunteers and other agencies have been providing researches with samples to measure nutrient and pesticide concentrations.

“It’s nice to know that we’re helping with the long-term monitoring of the Reef,” Rick said.

Volunteers are a vital link in the broader Marine Monitoring Program involving a partnership of government departments, researchers, industry and the broader community.

Reef Guardian Farmers

Tony and Marjorie Ross were recognised as the first Reef Guardian Farmers for their exceptional environmental practices in agriculture.

“We’re proud to be Reef Guardian farmers, and happy to be a part of the pilot program being developed with the cane industry,” Tony said.

“Over the last 20 years we have been adapting our farming practices to keep fertilisers on the farm and minimise run-off. It’s good for our business and the environment.

“We hope to spread the word to others about how simple modifications to farming practices can make a big difference.”

Gladstone Regional Council

Gladstone Regional Council is one of the 13 Reef Guardian Councils working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help build a healthier Reef for the future.

“The objectives of the Reef Guardian Council program will be embedded in our council’s practice, assisting us to improve our capacity to achieve better environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef,” Mayor Gail Sellers said.

“We are looking forward to identifying future initiatives under the Reef Guardian Program that will help to further protect Australia’s national icon.”

Traditional Owners

As part of the sea country management Traditional Owners are working with the GBRMPA to respond to and report suspected illegal activity in the Marine Park.

Traditional Owners are involved in the “Eyes and Ears – Better Witness” training workshop run by the GBRMPA to boost their skills in responding to and reporting suspected illegal activity.

Traditional Owners have a close connection with the Reef and have important roles in ensuring it is protected for the future.

Eco Barge Services

In one year Eco Barge Services removed more than 50 000 marine debris from the Whitsunday region.

“Having a constant and ongoing marine debris removal program in place for the Whitsunday Islands is essential for our local marine life’s safety,” Eco Barge Services Director Libby Edge said.

“This is such a positive program and we are hoping to find sponsors to keep this program ongoing for our region.”

Eco Barge is made up of more than a 100 passionate volunteers who clear beaches of marine plastic pollution. Their efforts contribute greatly to management actions that are protecting the Reef.

Caring for the Reef

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Links to the brochures below will be available soon!

5 ways to care for
Agnes Water/
Seventeen Seventy

5 ways to love
Airlie Beach

5 ways to care
for Mackay

5 ways you can
help keep Magnetic
Island beautiful