Factors external to the Great Barrier Reef itself are playing an increasing role in determining its condition. Impacts from climate change have already been witnessed and all parts of the ecosystem are vulnerable to its increasing effects with coral reef habitats the most vulnerable. Coastal development, primarily driven by mining, industry and population growth, is still significantly affecting coastal habitats that support the Great Barrier Reef and the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. Despite improvements in local land management, the quality of catchment runoff entering the Great Barrier Reef continues to cause deterioration in the water quality in the Great Barrier Reef Region.

Currently, changes in the use made of the Great Barrier Reef Region are mainly driven by external factors such as global economic conditions plus regional economic development and population growth. As many uses of the Region are based on the resources of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, the health of that ecosystem may become an increasingly important determinant of use.

Many of the threats from both the external factors and those from direct use within the Great Barrier Reef are combining to cause serious impacts on the ecosystem. All these factors are significant to the ecosystem’s future functioning and resilience.

• Climate change

• Coastal development

• Catchment runoff

• Direct use

• Assessment summary

 A global map of human impact on marine ecosystems