8 January 2010

Scientifically robust research played a vital role in helping protect one of the world's greatest natural treasures, the iconic Great Barrier Reef, in the first decade of the 21st century.

The hottest decade on record where climate change emerged as a major threat to coral reefs worldwide also saw research lead to big wins in protecting and building the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chief Scientist Dr David Wachenfeld said research was at the heart of successful reef protection measures over the last decade, such as zoning that has resulted in increased fish abundance.

"The key role of research in ensuring the Great Barrier Reef remained one of the healthiest reef ecosystems in the world during the last decade cannot be overstated," he said.

"As a management agency, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority relies on quality research provided to us by partner organisations such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, CSIRO and the University of Queensland.

"Over the last ten years, this research formed the basis of successful reef protection measures that are helping protect the Great Barrier Reef and the communities and industries that depend on it."

Among the big ticket items of the last decade was protecting plants and animals through zoning, a process that used research to both inform its establishment as well as measure its success.

Researchers found spectacular recovery in coral trout numbers on unfished reefs, with coral trout numbers rebounded by 31-75 per cent on a majority of reefs closed to fishing for as little as 1.5 to 2 years.

Other research undertaken in the last decade that helped inform Reef management covered a range of areas, including:

• ocean acidification
• recovery of corals after extreme weather
• impact of increased temperature on species migration
• effects of line fishing
• coral cover, condition and trends
• aerial surveys of dugongs and marine turtles
• crown-of-thorns starfish.

The findings from this research painted a clear picture of the health of the Reef and underpinned the decisions made by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in managing the Reef to protect it for the future.

Extensive research into water quality and ecosystem health also resulted in the Australian Government's Reef Rescue initiative that is looking at land management practices.

Dr Wachenfeld said the next decade would be guided by the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report, one of the most comprehensive, authoritative and contemporary publications on the current state of and possible future for the Reef.

"The decade culminated with the release in 2009 of the first Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report that drew on extensive scientific knowledge and was peer reviewed by national and international scientific experts," he said.

"The Outlook Report, along with research from our research partners, will help inform management of the Great Barrier Reef into the next decade and beyond.

"The Outlook Report clearly indicates the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem is at a crossroad, and decisions made in the next few years are likely to determine its long-term future.

"We are fortunate that the Reef is one of the healthiest in the world, however it is already under pressure and we cannot be complacent about the threat climate change poses as we move into the next decade."

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