Introduction - What you should know [PDF 9.63KB]

1. Biodiversity and why it's important [PDF 18.65KB]
Biodiversity is a term used to describe the abundance of all plants and animals, together with the places they live and the natural processes that keep them alive. We rely on biodiversity for a diverse range of social, economic and cultural benefits. This sheet further explains the value of biodiversity and outlines the importance of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area for biodiversity.

2. Zoning in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park [PDF 87.96KB]
Zoning is one of the principal management tools used to manage impacts and activities in the Marine Park. Zones allow for a spectrum of activities to occur within specific areas of the Marine Park, as well as help separate potentially conflicting uses.

3. Do no-take areas work? [PDF 20.41KB]
The best possible scientific evidence was used to support the implementation of the Representative Areas Program along with extensive community input and information. Scientific evidence from countries all over the world supports the value of no-take areas in protecting animals, plants and habitats for the long-term. This information sheet includes a review of some of that evidence.

4. The benefits of no-take areas [PDF 15.12KB]
No-take areas provide more benefits to society than just protecting threatened species or different habitat types. The Representative Areas Program was about protecting biodiversity. This is a summary of the benefits of no-take areas.

5. What is the Representative Areas Program? [PDF 19.31KB]
The Representative Areas Program was a review of the existing zoning within the Marine Park to further protect its unique biodiversity, while minimising impacts on existing use. This is a review of the objectives of the program and the process for its implementation.

6. Biophysical operational principles [PDF 45.99KB]
An independent Scientific Steering Committee has developed a package of biophysical principles aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the entire Marine Park. These 11 biophysical principles make recommendations on, for example, the minimum size of no-take areas (Green Zones) for each of the 70 bioregions in the Marine Park. The biophysical principles helped to guide the implementation of Green Zones during the rezoning process.

• Relevant references to biophysical operational principles [PDF 77.60KB]

7. Social, economic, cultural and management feasibility operational principles [PDF 14.79KB]
An independent steering committee developed a package of principles to protect the social, economic and cultural values of interest groups towards the Marine Park. Implementation of these principles, together with input from local communities and stakeholders, meant the new system of no-take areas (Green Zones) were located where they will cause the least detrimental impact on Marine Park users.

8. A review of zoning plans [PDF 28.55KB]
The entire Marine Park was re-zoned in order to better protect the Reef. This rezoning implemented the Representative Areas Program by expanding the size and number of no-take areas (Green Zones). It achieved a number of other objectives (including the new coastal areas below).

9. New coastal areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park [PDF 16.58KB]
The addition to the Marine Park of 28 new coastal areas means these areas were zoned for the first time. This was done concurrently when re-zoning the rest of the Marine Park where zoning plans already exist. Input guided future management arrangements for these small but significant areas.

10. Information collected to assist in the Representative Areas Program [PDF 11.25KB]
In developing a network of no-take areas (Green Zones), the GBRMPA considered scientific evidence together with a wide range of other social, economic, cultural and management information. As far as is possible the values, practical experience and knowledge of local communities was considered as part of the program.

11. How we currently manage the Great Barrier Reef  [PDF 14.50KB]
This is a basic outline of the management structure and the broad approach by which the GBRMPA manages the range of critical issues that affect the Marine Park.

12. Our environmental commitments - national and international [PDF 17.29KB]
There are numerous national and international commitments, conventions and treaties relevant to the protection of the environment. The Representative Areas Program helps Australia to fulfil these commitments and better protect the broad range of biodiversity occurring throughout the Great Barrier Reef.

13. Frequently asked questions [PDF 17.70KB]
This is a compilation of some of the most commonly asked questions from stakeholder meetings and presentations.

14. Need more information? [PDF 10.83KB ]
A list of useful websites and publications provided to stakeholders during the public participation phases of the Representative Areas Program.

15. Developing a Draft Zoning Plan 

16. Aquaculture

17. Remote Natural Areas and No Structure Sub-zones

18. Cruise ship anchorages

19. Shipping Areas

20. Dugong Management Areas

21. Enforcement and compliance

22. Benefits of marine sanctuaries

23. Marine sanctuaries a sustainable future for our fisheries

24. Recreational fishing

25. Commercial fishing

26. Scientific research

27. Special Management Areas

28. Indigenous use of Marine Park resources

29. Correcting misinformation and providing the facts.