Basis for zoning: the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Cairns Section and the Cairns Marine Park

Abstract

[Extract] - The Cairns Section covers an area of some 35,000 square kilometres and extends for more than 400 kilometres along the coast adjacent to the towns of Tully, Innisfail, Cairns, Mossman, Port Douglas and Cooktown (see Figure 1). The Cairns Section is one of four Sections making up the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest and most complex expanse of living coral reefs, encompassing many unique forms of marine life. Most of the Great Barrier Reef is in a relatively undisturbed condition in 1981 the Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its universal value. Under the United Nations World Heritage Convention each country is required to do all it can to ensure the protection, conservation, preservation and transmission to future generations of these precious assets.

The development of the initial zoning plans for the Cairns Section and Cormorant Pass Section took place in 1982-83. The Cairns Section was the second major section of the Marine Park to be proclaimed when the rezoning took effect in November 1983. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (CBRMPA) has undertaken to revise zoning plans every 5-8 years' Since the first zoning plans for the Cairns Section came into effect many changes particularly in relation to tourism have occurred in this area.