Summary
Summary
- The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area has a highly diverse coral fauna which varies most in composition from inshore to offshore.
- Natural disturbances such as cyclones, and the nature of coral reefs themselves, create a high level of natural variation in coral communities through time and within and between reefs.
- Impacts from crown-of-thorns starfish cause major changes to portions of the Great Barrier Reef at irregular intervals, but the link between these disturbances and human activities is uncertain.
- Climate change and increased frequency and intensity of coral bleaching pose significant risks to the Great Barrier Reef. The GBRMPA is involved in research to find out what the likely effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef will be, and to ensure that the Reef’s ability to cope with climate change is not degraded by additional human pressures.
- No clear widespread declines in coral condition have been detected in relation to human impacts. Our ability to detect and identify a clear declining trend in coral condition from human activities is restricted by the variability, size and complexity of the Great Barrier Reef. The absence of a clear unequivocal trend of decline does not mean that coral reefs are not under pressure. Some signs of deterioration of ecological functions that could lead to severe and persistent problems in the Great Barrier Reef are already apparent in some areas.
- The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 will help to ensure the ecological viability and resilience of coral reefs by protecting reefs and adjacent habitats that are critical to the ecological functioning of coral reefs in a network of no-take protected areas. The network of protected areas will help protect biodiversity, maintain ecosystem function and preserve interconnectivity both within and between coral reefs and these habitats.
- New fisheries plans and the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan will be instrumental in reducing the impacts of factors such as fishing and sediment run-off on the Great Barrier Reef. These plans will help to relieve coral reefs from additional pressures when coping with climate change, and are vital management responses to complement the new Zoning Plan.
- Coral reefs are subjected to various pressures from tourism and development activities. The impacts of these activities are managed on a case-by-case basis through permits and environmental management and monitoring.
- Increased amounts of nutrients, sediments and pesticides are being transported to the Great Barrier Reef through terrestrial run-off. This is one of the most important management issues for the GBRMPA and is being addressed through the joint State and Commonwealth Reef Water Quality Protection Plan.
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