Spatial planning on the Great Barrier Reef - the Good and the Bad

Andrew Skeat and John Baldwin

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

Theme: TH3

Formal spatial plans for the Great Barrier Reef are prepared at three scales. Zoning Plans cover almost all the Marine Park and are the primary control on use. Management plans apply to smaller areas, or species requiring special protection. Site plans are prepared for only several hectares when natural and cultural values need to be protected at fine scale. Does this regime work? On the positive side, most threats arising from use of the Park have been effectively controlled. However, it is complex, expensive, and has not dealt with threats from land-based activities and overfishing.