The conservation and sustainable use of the natural assets of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park requires that we understand the environmental, social and economic values of the Reef and the major factors influencing these Reef values. By directing research to these issues and pressures, we ensure that management decisions are based on the best available science.

The Great Barrier Reef's values include:

• Biodiversity - both the populations of species and their habitats
  
• Ecosystem health - physical, chemical and ecological processes and outbreaks of disease, introduced species and pests species
  
• Commercial and non-commercial use - commercial marine tourism, defence, fishing, ports and shipping, recreation, scientific research, and traditional use of marine resources.

The factors influencing the Great Barrier Reef's values include: 

• Climate change
• Coastal development
• Catchment runoff
• Direct use.
  

While there is a large body of research on coral reef ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, other non-reefal areas such as shoals and deep reef habitats have received little attention. For a summary of the research and state of knowledge about the various habitats, plants and animals of the Great Barrier Reef, see the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report.