Annual Report 2012-13 (with highlights)

Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s objective is the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef. During the agency’s 38-year history, the focus of effort has shifted from mapping and understanding the Great Barrier Reef Region to identifying factors that affect its health and what can be done to protect the Reef’s ecosystems. In the past 15 years it has become clear that the most significant long-term risks to the health of the Reef come from outside the Marine Park, namely the effects of climate change and declines in water quality due to land use and coastal development. The agency’s well-recognised management plans addressing tourism, fishing, Traditional Owner use, shipping and recreation remain critically important as a means of retaining maximum natural resilience to these external pressures, and to the ongoing risks posed by activities inside the Marine Park.Also see the attached "Highlights" for a brief overview of the Annual Report.