Almost all commercial and non-commercial uses of the Great Barrier Reef Region are dependent on the biodiversity and health of its ecosystem. Use occurs across the length and breadth of the ecosystem with most use and impact concentrated inshore, near developed coasts and on coral reef habitats. The current state and trends of most uses are known, with fluctuations largely determined by global factors such as fuel prices, human health issues and economic development. There are some concerns about localised impacts and effects on some species with potential flow on effects to some ecological processes.

Uses of the Great Barrier Reef are economically important to regional communities and tourism is economically important nationally. They provide income to and employment for local industries and are an integral component of coastal communities. Traditional Owner aspirations are being increasingly recognised and formalised in law. However, they are also being increasingly impacted by other activities occurring in the Great Barrier Reef and along the adjacent coastal zone.

Declines in many coral reef ecosystems around the world are likely to increase the commercial and noncommercial value placed on components of the Great Barrier Reef and potentially alter use patterns in the future. Overall trends of use of the Great Barrier Reef are difficult to predict because each use is shifting at different rates and in response to different drivers. The future cumulative effects of all use and the ecosystem-level impacts are poorly understood.

• Commercial marine tourism

• Defence activities

• Fishing

• Ports and shipping

• Recreation (not including fishing)

• Scientific research

• Traditional use of marine resources

• Assessment summary

Chapter 4 [4.1Mb]