Assessment summary: Benefits

Use of the Great Barrier Reef contributes strongly to the regional and national economy and local communities. Its economic value is derived almost exclusively from its natural resources, either through extraction of those resources or through tourism and recreation focused on the natural environment, and would be affected by declines in those resources. Millions of people visit the Great Barrier Reef every year and are very satisfied with their visit. The Great Barrier Reef is valued well beyond its local communities, with strong national and international scientific interest. The Great Barrier Reef is of major importance to Traditional Owner culture. Some users financially contribute to management.

Assessment summary: Impacts

The impacts of different uses of the Great Barrier Reef overlap and are concentrated inshore and next to developed areas. There are some concerns about localised impacts and effects on some species. In particular, species of conservation concern such as dugongs, some bony fish, sharks, seabirds and marine turtles are at risk, especially as a result of fishing, disturbance from increasing use of coastal habitats, illegal fishing, poaching and traditional use of marine resources. There is evidence that fishing is also significantly affecting the populations of some targeted species. The survival success of non-retained species is not well understood, nor are the ecosystem effects of fishing.