Cyclones and floods during the 2010-11 summer had implications for coastal communities and industries that depend on the Great Barrier Reef for recreation and their livelihoods.

Some of the issues associated with Reef damage following the extreme weather events include:

• Decreased catch rates for some commercial fishing sectors
• Damage to reef and island sites important for fishing and tourism activities
• Reduced vessel access to some locations due to debris
• Decreased destination appeal due to media coverage of extreme weather impacts.
  

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, CSIRO and James Cook University are collaborating on research to better understand the social and economic impacts of extreme weather on industries.

This information will help Reef-based industries understand the risks associated with extreme weather, and to support efforts to build their resilience to the predicted impacts of climate change.

Action by industries and communities

Some industries and communities are taking action to ensure the Great Barrier Reef has the best chance of recovering after the 2010-11 summer of extreme weather.

Following reports of dramatic increases in dugong and turtle deaths, key Traditional Owner groups have voluntarily reduced traditional hunting activities in affected areas.

The marine aquarium collection industry activated their Coral Stress Response Plan and placed a voluntary moratorium on collecting of sensitive species in affected reef locations.

Aquarium collectors have also played a key role in assessing impacts from flood plumes in the southern parts of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery is working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Fisheries Queensland to identify strategies to improve the ecological, economic and social resilience of the fishery after extreme weather events.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority also used educational material and best practices to remind people out on the water how they can protect dugong and turtles following the 2010-11 summer of extreme weather.