Great Barrier Reef industries such as tourism, recreational and commercial fishing are highly dependent on the marine environment.  These valuable reef-based activities rely to some extent — and in some cases, entirely — on a healthy reef ecosystem. The impact of climate change such as changes in ocean circulation, cyclones and temperatures, will impact on these industries. Primary productivity, for example, will be altered with resultant effects for fishing and aquaculture and the regional communities dependent on them. Great Barrier Reef tourism is also highly susceptible to climate change and individual operators have already experienced impacts such as coral bleaching at their pontoon sites. Climate change is likely to place coastal development at risk, primarily due to predicted sea level rises. Other industries like shipping are also likely to be subjected to climate change effects including, sea level rise and changes in weather patterns.

Social and economic implications 

There are significant social and economic benefits to Australia from Great Barrier Reef industries. Changes to industry structure and presence, because of climate change, may manifest in ways that result in social and economic uncertainty.

Population and demographic characteristics will change due to migration, coastal vulnerability due to infrastructure pressures, human health risks, storm events, pests and disease. Changed land use and activities are probable, as industries, communities and other sectors such as insurance responds to climate change.

Amongst the possible land use changes are the intensification of agricultural activities (for example, horticulture) and reductions in broad scale agriculture. On the other hand, less climate dependent industries such as mining could increase. Upper catchment areas are also likely to experience growing pressure for residential development.

Tourism and Great Barrier Reef

Tourism is the most significant industry in the Great Barrier Reef, generating over AU$5.1 billion. The marine tourism industry is considered to be particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change. Loss of coral from bleaching and changes to the abundance and location of fish, marine mammals and other iconic species are likely to have the greatest impact on the marine tourism industry. Increasing intensity of cyclones and storms will impact on industry seasonality, tourism infrastructure and associated tourism industry development.

Lifestyle and health of Great Barrier Reef communities

Climate change has consequences for coastal Great Barrier Reef communities through impacts on key industries. There are also likely to be other effects on coastal development and human health, for example changes in water quality. Towns and their infrastructure will be affected by changes in demand for energy, changing land values and land use systems, changing liveability and lifestyle. Extreme weather and sea level rise will directly affect buildings and structures.

Indigenous cultural heritage values

Climate change may also impact Indigenous cultural values and resources, although the extent is unclear. A decline in the availability of traditional resources could disrupt customs and practices, leading to a loss of knowledge, skills and culture. Climate change is not new to Indigenous communities, and many communities along the Queensland coast have assimilated stories about climate change into their identity. Users of the Marine Park may experience a reduction in recreational enjoyment as a result of climate change, which could lead to changes in the relationship between individuals and the reef.  This may alter with traditional and Indigenous identity, culture and belonging, and recreational opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Value of Great Barrier Reef industries

The major activities are tourism, commercial fishing and recreation. During 2005, approximately 1.9 million people visited the Great Barrier Reef using tourism services. A further 6 million recreational visits are estimated annually. The region supports over 64 000 jobs and contributes AU$5.8 billion to the national economy each year[1]. Tourism is the most significant industry in the Great Barrier Reef, generating AU$5.1 billion. Other contributions come from recreational and cultural activities people undertake in the Great Barrier Reef (AU$640 million) and commercial fishing (AU$119 million). Other activities are also likely to be affected by climate change, such as bioprospecting and scientific research, although the benefits to the Australian economy have yet to be valued. There is substantial shipping activity in the Great Barrier Reef, and the region has eight major trading ports, with shipping and ports annually exporting goods worth an estimated AU$15 billion.

[1] Access Economics 2005