Research needs for protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2005

Abstract

The research information needed to support management of the Great Barrier Reef has been summarised in the form of 274 Research Questions, organised into 22 Research Themes. Both Themes and Questions are listed in this document. Research Questions have been rated for ‘Importance’ and ‘Urgency’ of the information need, and cross-referenced with the National Research Priorities, the GBRMPA’s Key Performance Indicators, and key legislative or policy requirements. The process by which these information needs were derived and prioritised is summarised in Attachment A. The research needs identified here will form the basis of a web-accessible Research Management System, which will integrate the research needs outlined here with existing and planned research activity (including costs and funding sources), the National Research Priorities, researchers, research locations, etc. (Attachment B). This will provide a basis for gap analyses, investment summaries, and other internal and external planning and research management requirements. Of the 274 Research Questions, 21 are considered critical in importance; of these, most were assessed as relatively urgent, with information, or at least baseline information, needed within one to three years.