Impact on environmental values

Climate change, particularly rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, has already affected the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and over the next 50 years it is likely to significantly affect most components of the ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef, especially much of its inshore area, is being affected by increased nutrients, sediments and other pollutants in catchment runoff, mainly from diffuse agricultural sources, despite recent advances in agricultural practices. Coastal development is contributing to the modification and loss of coastal habitats that support the Great Barrier Reef. As the coastal population continues to grow there will be increasing use of the Great Barrier Reef and therefore the potential for further damage. Direct use of the Region is impacting on some environmental values.

Impact on economic values

Changes to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem are likely to have serious economic implications for reef-dependent industries, such as tourism and fishing, and for adjacent communities. Perceptions about the health of the ecosystem also affect its attractiveness for tourism and recreation and, thus, its marketability. An increasing coastal population is likely to increase the economic value of Reef-based activities. The economic benefits of direct use will be affected by the impacts of external factors.

Impact on social values

An increasing coastal population is likely to increase recreational use of the Region and change people’s experiences of the Great Barrier Reef with increased congestion at popular recreation locations and competition for preferred sites. A decline in inshore habitats as a result of polluted water will have social implications for dependent industries and coastal communities. Traditional Owners are concerned about rising temperatures altering the seasonality and availability of marine resources as well as the potential loss of totemic species.