Marine research and monitoring includes biological studies as well as studies of physical and chemical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, marine archaeology, underwater acoustics, and a host of other areas of investigations. Specific studies of marine wildlife and their use of the marine environment (including estimates of abundance, distribution, ecology, genetics and behaviour) are needed to assess the conservation status of the species, support management, and allow evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures.

Reliable information is needed on the distribution and abundance of marine wildlife species in the World Heritage Area; patterns of use of the World Heritage Area by species (for example, distribution, seasonal movements, long-term population trends) and the locations of any key habitats for particular species.

In addition, ongoing routine monitoring is often the only way to answer definitively certain questions, such as movements and population trends. However, such monitoring is often expensive and funds difficult to secure.

A dugong that has been safely captured and fitted with a satellite tag is gently guided back into open water by James Cook University researchers. The tag will transmit invaluable information on the animal’s movements and habitat preferences	Aerial surveys enable data to be collected on dugong distributions and population numbers to determine population patterns and trends	QPWS has been recording and measuring turtle nesting patterns in the Marine Park for decades and has built a detailed picture of turtle population dynamics

• The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Research Information System provides information on the research needs for management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and research projects that address those needs
• A Dugong Research Strategy has been developed and implemented
• GBRMPA has funded a considerable amount of research into dugong biology, genetics, distribution and abundance, particularly through James Cook University and CRC Reef Research Centre. GBRMPA’s Research Publication series has provided many of these original studies
• James Cook University is continuing with its extensive programme of research into dugong biology and habitat.  Studies currently (2006) include:

Trends in dugong distribution and abundance

Dugong genetics at regional and local scales

Dugong movements and fine-scale habitat use using satellite tracking

The nutritional value of the dugong’s seagrass food

Dugong behaviour

The reactions of dugongs to vessel traffic

Guidelines for sustainable and culturally sensitive dugong tourism

The reaction of dugongs to acoustic alarms designed to reduce incidental drowning in gill nets

Spatial modelling of dugongs and their seagrass habitats

The history of the dugong oil industry

The social and cultural values of dugong hunting

Robust methods that Indigenous communities could use to monitor their dugong catch.

• A live-stranding and carcass recovery programme and EPA Hotline (1300 130 372) is in place (QPWS, GBRMPA). The programme includes a ‘Marine Wildlife Stranding and Mortality Database’ operated by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to record information on marine wildlife strandings and issue annual reports and a Marine Wildlife Stranding Listserver to enable the public to hear about reported sick, injured or dead marine mammals (dugongs, whales, dolphins) and turtles
• An annual census of key turtle nesting beaches and foraging habitats is occurring (QPWS, Central Queensland University, GBRMPA)
• A population model for the southern Great Barrier Reef green turtle stock was completed in 2001 (QPWS, GBRMPA, EA)
• Population genetic studies are being carried out, including stock identification, and stock composition in feeding areas and from harvested turtles (QPWS, University of Canberra)
• QPWS staff and volunteers tag turtles in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to study their migration and life cycle. Tags should not be removed from live turtles but reported to the QPWS along with the number on the tag, and the date and location of the turtle. Tags from dead turtles should be returned to QPWS with the same information
• A six-year monitoring programme of dwarf minke whale tourism, funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, is being conducted by James Cook University
• Studies of the distribution and abundance of Australian snubfin dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are being undertaken in the southern Great Barrier Reef by Southern Cross University
• Studies by James Cook University to help conserve inshore dolphins include:

Development of spatial models of habitat suitability and patterns of abundance within the Marine Park

Assessment of threats to inshore dolphins

Monitoring of Australian snubfin dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Townsville region and assessment of population genetics

• A new project funded through the Australian Government’s Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility is evaluating the effects of acoustic alarms on behaviour of inshore dolphins.