DETERIORATING REEFS
In a massive 374-page report published last August — the third in a series of 5-yearly assessments that began in 2009 — the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) assessed our precious marine icon and declared it to be in “very poor” condition, with a grim outlook of further deterioration. The GBRMPA is Australia's lead manager of the reef, responsible for preserving its natural splendour and maintaining the universal values that underpin its World Heritage status.
SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
The report covers the entire Great Barrier Reef Region, an area of about 346,000 square kilometres from the tip of Cape York down to Lady Elliot Island. Where relevant, the report looks beyond the region’s boundaries and includes information about adjacent islands, neighbouring marine areas and coastal river catchments.
The report is based on evidence from a number of Australian and Queensland government agencies, research institutions, industry stakeholders and Traditional Owners. It examines nine key aspects including biodiversity, ecosystem health, heritage values, resilience and risks, to provide an assessment of the reef ’s overall condition and a summary of its long-term outlook.
PREVIOUS REPORTS
Outlook Reports were released in 2009 and 2014. In 2009, the reef was considered to be “at a crossroads” between a positive, well-managed future and a less certain one.
