Print PageOutlook Online 2009
Status of open waters
Management Concern: Moderate
Adequacy of Information: Low
Summary extracts from Outlook Report 2009
- Many species depend on open waters but little is known about the condition of these habitats except that inshore areas are being degraded.
- Open water habitats have a moderate projected vulnerability to climate change, mainly due to sensitivity of plankton to environmental change.
What do we know?
Relevant pages from Outlook Online:
- Vulnerability of pelagic systems in the Great Barrier Reef to climate change
- Seabirds as indicators of open ocean ecology
- Ocean acidification
- Atmospheric CO2 stabilization and ocean acidification
Existing policies and management actions
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan
- Australian Government policy on climate change
- Queensland Government climate change policies and strategies
- Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012
Future management requirements
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Future management requirements in this area are being guided by ongoing assessment of emerging research outcomes and issues identified by the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009.
Defined research questions
- How are the physical and chemical properties of open waters changing?
Related information
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Free Zoning Maps
If you're heading out on the water, don't forget your free Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.
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Whale of a time
The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity. If you're lucky enough to see a humpback whale from May to September, make sure you keep a safe distance.
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Important milestone
We're delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's World Heritage listing.
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Visit the Reef
Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.
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What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef. Find out what you can do to help protect this Great Australian icon.
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Report marine strandings
If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
(1300 264 625) -
Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.
