#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs of Australasia
Socio-economic Monitoring: The monitoring system described above will also
include monitoring of activities occurring within the park and compliance of
park regulations as well as furthering existing knowledge of socio-economic
conservation values.
Coral reefs are 10% of the natural resources.
Ecological Monitoring is planned.
Socio-economic Monitoring is planned.
WHS
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA – WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) is the world's largest site and
also the world’s most extensive stretch of coral reefs. It covers 34,870,000ha and
extends more than 2,000km along the east coast of Australia, from the Tropic of
Capricorn to Papua New Guinea waters. The GBRWHA includes over 2,900 coral
reefs, 300 coral islands and 600 continental islands. The GBRWHA includes some
State Islands and inshore areas, therefore it is larger than the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park. The GBRWHA was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1981 and is
one of few sites that satisfy all 4 World Heritage criteria for natural heritage. It would
also satisfy criteria for cultural heritage listing, although these were not included on
the listing. The values include:
• Integrity, with the resources predominantly in near pristine condition;
• The geomorphological links between reefs, islands, dunal systems, and
coastal complexes;
• Aesthetic values;
• High biological diversity expressed through species diversity and latitudinal
scale. Many rare and threatened species are included e.g. endemics, and
species that may not have viable populations elsewhere in the world. The
species list includes: 1,500 fishes; 400 corals; up to 8,000 molluscs; and 242
birds; plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms and
crustaceans. The GBRWHA contains 15% of Australia's dugong population, as
well as cetaceans (humpback, minke and killer whales; and bottlenose,
Irrawaddy and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins). There are major nesting
grounds for green turtle and loggerhead, and 4 other turtle species.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is responsible for the
protection and wise use of the World Heritage Area, guided by the principle of
balancing conservation and use. GBRMPA has created a management framework that
allows for reasonable human use alongside conservation measures. However, the
increasing use and development in and adjacent to the Marine Park and World Heritage
Area remains a concern. Key issues are the management of a large reef-based tourist
industry, commercial and recreational fishing, shipping, urban growth, coastal
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