Great Barrier Reef
Brief synthesis
As
the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef
is a globally outstanding and significant entity. Practically the
entire ecosystem was inscribed as World Heritage in 1981, covering an
area of 348,000 square kilometres and extending across a contiguous
latitudinal range of 14o (10oS to 24oS).
The Great Barrier Reef (hereafter referred to as GBR) includes
extensive cross-shelf diversity, stretching from the low water mark
along the mainland coast up to 250 kilometres offshore. This wide depth
range includes vast shallow inshore areas, mid-shelf and outer reefs,
and beyond the continental shelf to oceanic waters over 2,000 metres
deep.
Within the GBR there are some
2,500 individual reefs of varying sizes and shapes, and over 900
islands, ranging from small sandy cays and larger vegetated cays, to
large rugged continental islands rising, in one instance, over
1,100 metres above sea level. Collectively these landscapes and
seascapes provide some of the most spectacular maritime scenery in the
world.
The latitudinal and
cross-shelf diversity, combined with diversity through the depths of the
water column, encompasses a globally unique array of ecological
communities, habitats and species. This diversity of species and
habitats, and their interconnectivity, make the GBR one of the richest
and most complex natural ecosystems on earth. There are over 1,500
species of fish, about 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusk,
and some 240 species of birds, plus a great diversity of sponges,
anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and other species. No other World
Heritage property contains such biodiversity. This diversity, especially
the endemic species, means the GBR is of enormous scientific and
intrinsic importance, and it also contains a significant number of
threatened species. Attime of inscription, the IUCN evaluation stated "…
if only one coral reef site in the world were to be chosen for the World Heritage List, the Great Barrier Reef is the site to be chosen".
Criterion (vii): The
GBR is of superlative natural beauty above and below the water, and
provides some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. It is one of a
few living structures visible from space, appearing as a complex string
of reefal structures along Australia's northeast coast.
From
the air, the vast mosaic patterns of reefs, islands and coral cays
produce an unparalleled aerial panorama of seascapes comprising diverse
shapes and sizes. The Whitsunday Islands provide a magnificent vista of
green vegetated islands and spectacular sandy beaches spread over azure
waters. This contrasts with the vast mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook
Channel, and the rugged vegetated mountains and lush rainforest gullies
that are periodically cloud-covered on Hinchinbrook Island.
On
many of the cays there are spectacular and globally important breeding
colonies of seabirds and marine turtles, and Raine Island is the world’s
largest green turtle breeding area. On some continental islands, large
aggregations of over-wintering butterflies periodically occur.
Beneath
the ocean surface, there is an abundance and diversity of shapes, sizes
and colours; for example, spectacular coral assemblages of hard and
soft corals, and thousands of species of reef fish provide a myriad of
brilliant colours, shapes and sizes. The internationally renowned Cod
Hole near Lizard Island is one of many significant tourist attractions.
Other superlative natural phenomena include the annual coral spawning,
migrating whales, nesting turtles, and significant spawning aggregations
of many fish species.
Criterion (viii): The
GBR, extending 2,000 kilometres along Queensland's coast, is a globally
outstanding example of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia.
The area has been exposed and flooded by at least four glacial and
interglacial cycles, and over the past 15,000 years reefs have grown on
the continental shelf.
During glacial
periods, sea levels dropped, exposing the reefs as flat-topped hills of
eroded limestone. Large rivers meandered between these hills and the
coastline extended further east. During interglacial periods, rising sea
levels caused the formation of continental islands, coral cays and new
phases of coral growth. This environmental history can be seen in cores
of old massive corals.
Today the GBR
forms the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, ranging from inshore
fringing reefs to mid-shelf reefs, and exposed outer reefs, including
examples of all stages of reef development. The processes of geological
and geomorphological evolution are well represented, linking continental
islands, coral cays and reefs. The varied seascapes and landscapes that
occur today have been moulded by changing climates and sea levels, and
the erosive power of wind and water, over long time periods.
One-third
of the GBR lies beyond the seaward edge of the shallower reefs; this
area comprises continental slope and deep oceanic waters and abyssal
plains.
Criterion (ix): The
globally significant diversity of reef and island morphologies reflects
ongoing geomorphic, oceanographic and environmental processes. The
complex cross-shelf, longshore and vertical connectivity is influenced
by dynamic oceanic currents and ongoing ecological processes such as
upwellings, larval dispersal and migration.
Ongoing
erosion and accretion of coral reefs, sand banks and coral cays combine
with similar processes along the coast and around continental islands.
Extensive beds of Halimeda algae represent active calcification and accretion over thousands of years.
Biologically
the unique diversity of the GBR reflects the maturity of an ecosystem
that has evolved over millennia; evidence exists for the evolution of
hard corals and other fauna. Globally significant marine faunal groups
include over 4,000 species of molluscs, over 1,500 species of fish, plus
a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and
many others. The establishment of vegetation on the cays and continental
islands exemplifies the important role of birds, such as the Pied
Imperial Pigeon, in processes such as seed dispersal and plant
colonisation.
Human interaction with
the natural environment is illustrated by strong ongoing links between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their sea-country, and
includes numerous shell deposits (middens) and fish traps, plus the
application of story places and marine totems.
Criterion (x): The
enormous size and diversity of the GBR means it is one of the richest
and most complex natural ecosystems on earth, and one of the most
significant for biodiversity conservation. The amazing diversity
supports tens of thousands of marine and terrestrial species, many of
which are of global conservation significance.
As
the world's most complex expanse of coral reefs, the reefs contain some
400 species of corals in 60 genera. There are also large ecologically
important inter-reefal areas. The shallower marine areas support half
the world's diversity of mangroves and many seagrass species. The waters
also provide major feeding grounds for one of the world's largest
populations of the threatened dugong. At least 30 species of whales and
dolphins occur here, and it is a significant area for humpback whale
calving.
Six of the world’s seven
species of marine turtle occur in the GBR. As well as the world’s
largest green turtle breeding site at Raine Island, the GBR also
includes many regionally important marine turtle rookeries.
Some
242 species of birds have been recorded in the GBR. Twenty-two seabird
species breed on cays and some continental islands, and some of these
breeding sites are globally significant; other seabird species also
utilize the area. The continental islands support thousands of plant
species, while the coral cays also have their own distinct flora and
fauna.
Integrity
The
ecological integrity of the GBR is enhanced by the unparalleled size
and current good state of conservation across the property. At the time
of inscription it was felt that to include virtually the entire Great
Barrier Reef within the property was the only way to ensure the
integrity of the coral reef ecosystems in all their diversity.
A
number of natural pressures occur, including cyclones, crown-of-thorns
starfish outbreaks, and sudden large influxes of freshwater from extreme
weather events. As well there is a range of human uses such as tourism,
shipping and coastal developments including ports. There are also some
disturbances facing the GBR that are legacies of past actions prior to
the inscription of the property on the World Heritage list.
At
the scale of the GBR ecosystem, most habitats or species groups have
the capacity to recover from disturbance or withstand ongoing pressures.
The property is largely intact and includes the fullest possible
representation of marine ecological, physical and chemical processes
from the coast to the deep abyssal waters enabling the key
interdependent elements to exist in their natural relationships.
Some
of the key ecological, physical and chemical processes that are
essential for the long-term conservation of the marine and island
ecosystems and their associated biodiversity occur outside the
boundaries of the property and thus effective conservation programs are
essential across the adjoining catchments, marine and coastal zones.
Protection and management requirements
The
GBR covers approximately 348,000 square kilometres. Most of the
property lies within the GBR Marine Park: at 344,400 square kilometres,
this Federal Marine Park comprises approximately 99% of the property.
The GBR Marine Park's legal jurisdiction ends at low water mark along
the mainland (with the exception of port areas) and around islands (with
the exception of 70 Commonwealth managed islands which are part of the
Marine Park). In addition the GBR also includes over 900 islands within
the jurisdiction of Queensland, about half of which are declared as
'national parks', and the internal waters of Queensland that occur
within the World Heritage boundary (including a number of
long-established port areas).
The
World Heritage property is and has always been managed as a multiple-use
area. Uses include a range of commercial and recreational activities.
The management of such a large and iconic world heritage property is
made more complex due to the overlapping State and Federal
jurisdictions. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, an
independent Australian Government agency, is responsible for protection
and management of the GBR Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975
was amended in 2007 and 2008, and now provides for “the long term
protection and conservation ... of the Great Barrier Reef Region” with
specific mention of meeting "... Australia's responsibilities under the
World Heritage Convention".
Queensland is responsible for management of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, established under the Marine Parks Act 2004
(Qld). This is contiguous with the GBR Marine Park and covers the area
between low and high water marks and many of the waters within the
jurisdictional limits of Queensland. Queensland is also responsible for
management of most of the islands.
The
overlapping jurisdictional arrangements mean that the importance of
complementary legislation and complementary management of islands and
the surrounding waters is well recognised by both governments. Strong
cooperative partnerships and formal agreements exist between the
Australian Government and the Queensland Government. In addition, strong
relationships have been built between governments and commercial and
recreational industries, research institutions and universities.
Collectively this provides a comprehensive management influence over a
much wider context than just the marine areas and islands.
Development
and land use activities in coastal and water catchments adjacent to the
property also have a fundamental and critical influence on the values
within the property. The Queensland Government is responsible for
natural resource management and land use planning for the islands, coast
and hinterland adjacent to the GBR. Other Queensland and Federal
legislation also protects the property’s Outstanding Universal Value
addressing such matters as water quality, shipping management, sea
dumping, fisheries management and environmental protection.
The Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) provides an overarching mechanism for protecting the World
Heritage values from inappropriate development, including actions taken
inside or outside which could impact on its heritage values. This
requires any development proposals to undergo rigorous environmental
impact assessment processes, often including public consultation, after
which the Federal Minister may decide, to approve, reject or approve
under conditions designed to mitigate any significant impacts. A recent
amendment to the EPBC Act makes the GBR Marine Park an additional
'trigger' for a matter of National Environmental Significance which
provides additional protection for the values within the GBR.
The
GBR Marine Park and the adjoining GBR Coast Marine Park are zoned to
allow for a wide range of reasonable uses while ensuring overall
protection, with conservation being the primary aim. The zoning spectrum
provides for increasing levels of protection for the 'core conservation
areas' which comprise the 115,000 square kilometres of ‘no-take’ and
‘no-entry’ zones within the GBR.
While
the Zoning Plan is the 'cornerstone' of management and provides a
spatial basis for determining where many activities can occur, zoning is
only one of many spatial management tools and policies applied to
collectively protect the GBR. Some activities are better managed using
other spatial and temporal management tools like Plans of Management,
Special Management Areas, Agreements with Traditional Owners and permits
(often tied to specific zones or smaller areas within zones, but
providing a detailed level of management not possible by zoning alone).
These statutory instruments also protect the Outstanding Universal Value
of the property.
Many Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Island peoples undertake traditional use of marine
resource activities to provide traditional food, practice their living
maritime culture, and to educate younger generations about traditional
and cultural rules and protocols. In the GBR these activities are
managed under both Federal and Queensland legislation and policies
including Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreements (TUMRAs) and
Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs). These currently cover some 30
per cent of the GBR inshore area, and support Traditional Owners to
maintain cultural connections with their sea country.
Similarly
non-statutory tools like site management and Industry Codes of Practice
contribute to the protection of World Heritage values. Some spatial
management tools are not permanently in place nor appear as part of the
zoning, yet achieve effective protection for elements of biodiversity
(e.g. the temporal closures that are legislated across the GBR prohibit
all reef fishing during specific moon phases when reef fish are
spawning).
Other key initiatives providing increased protection for the GBR include thecomprehensive Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report (and its resulting 5-yearly reporting process); the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan; the GBR Climate Change Action Plan; and the Reef Guardians Stewardship Programs
which involve building relationships and working closely with those who
use and rely on the GBR or its catchment for their recreation or their
business.
The 2009 Outlook Report
identified the long-term challenges facing the GBR; these are dominated
by climate change over the next few decades. The extent and persistence
of damage to the GBR ecosystem will depend to a large degree on the
amount of change in the world’s climate and on the resilience of the GBR
ecosystem to such change. This report also identified continued
declining water quality from land-based sources, loss of coastal
habitats from coastal development, and some impacts from fishing,
illegal fishing and poaching as the other priority issues requiring
management attention for the long-term protection of the GBR.
Emerging
issues since the 2009 Outlook Report include proposed port expansions,
increases in shipping activity, coastal development and intensification
and changes in land use within the GBR catchment; population growth; the
impacts from marine debris; illegal activities; and extreme weather
events including floods and cyclones.
Further
building the resilience of the GBR by improving water quality, reducing
the loss of coastal habitats and increasing knowledge about fishing and
its effects and encouraging modified practices, will give the GBR its
best chance of adapting to and recovering from the threats ahead,
including the impacts of a changing climate.
Long Description
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It the world's most extensive stretch of coral reef and is probably the richest area in terms of faunal diversity in the world. Its great diversity reflects the maturity of an ecosystem which has evolved over millions of years on the north-east continental shelf of Australia. The site contains a huge diversity of species including over 1,500 species of fish, about 360 species of hard coral, 5,000 species of mollusc, and more than 175 species of bird, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms and crustaceans, among others.The reef system, extending to Papua New Guinea, the reef comprises some 2900 individual reefs of all sizes and shapes covering more than 20,000 km2, including 760 fringing reefs, which range in size from under 1ha to over 10,000 ha and vary in shape to provide the most spectacular marine scenery on Earth. There are approximately 600 continental islands including many with towering forests and freshwater streams, and some 300 coral cays and unvegetated sand cays. A rich variety of landscapes and seascapes, including rugged mountains with dense and diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs, provide spectacular scenery.
The form and structure of the individual reefs show great variety. Two main classes may be defined: platform or patch reefs, resulting from radial growth; and wall reefs, resulting from elongated growth, often in areas of strong water currents. There are also many fringing reefs where the reef growth is established on subtidal rock of the mainland coast or continental islands.
The site includes major feeding grounds for the endangered dugong and nesting grounds of world significance for two endangered species of marine turtle, the green and the loggerhead, as well as habitat for four other species of marine turtle; given the severe pressures being placed on these species elsewhere, the Great Barrier Reef may be their last secure stronghold. It is also an important breeding area for humpback and other whale species.
A wide range of fleshy algae occurs, many of which are small and inconspicuous but which are highly productive and are heavily grazed by turtles, fish, molluscs and sea urchins. In addition, algae are an important component of reef building processes. 15 species of seagrass grow throughout the reef area forming over 3,000 km2 of seagrass meadows and providing an important food source for grazing animals, such as dugongs.
The Great Barrier Reef, and in particular the northern sector, is important in the historic and contemporary culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups of the coastal areas of north-east Australia. This contemporary use of and association with the Marine Park plays an important role in the maintenance of their cultures and there is a strong spiritual connection with the ocean and its inhabitants.
Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC
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