A review of recreational activities undertaken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park recreation review stage 1

Abstract

It is estimated that over 4.9 million recreational visits are made to the Great Barrier Reef each year. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s goal is to provide for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef in perpetuity through the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the ‘Marine Park’). To assist in achieving this goal it is important to gain a better understanding of recreational users of the Marine Park. While there is a broad body of knowledge about managed, or tourist visits, little has been done to identify who independent recreational visitors are, where they go, what they do and why.