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Monitoring the world's largest coral reef
Imagine a place bigger than Italy; a metropolis of life. Each individual is unique and responds differently to the hustle and bustle of the world around them. Now imagine this place includes areas so remote they can only be visited at certain times of the year. How do you keep tabs on a place so vast, complex and diverse? The Great Barrier Reef is a place just like this - one of the most complex natural systems on Earth - and these are the challenges we face as its management agency.
We draw on data and observations from those who do go out and experience the Reef firsthand. Tourism operators undertake site stewardship surveys, while connecting their guests to the patterns experienced at their sites. Recreational fishers, snorkelers and divers log their memories in the sightings network, of critters and disturbances. Our team of in-house and partner scientists conduct rigorous annual surveys across the mosaic of different ecosystems. Traditional Owners on Country share stories and insights of the ways of the land and the sea. All of this information - real time and historic - comes together to paint the larger picture of the Reef and assists in guiding critical management decisions for the future. No matter who you are or what your connection to the Reef is, your information can be a vital piece of the puzzle.
One stop-shop for knowledge
The Reef Knowledge System brings together this information and knowledge to inform and guide management decisions in a changing environment. The ‘first stop shop’ is up-to-date information about the Reef that anyone can access online.
This is the Reef too
The Great Barrier Reef starts at the low water mark along the Queensland coast. Eighteen years of monitoring across 318 inshore sites helps our team identify critical trends on the Reef. Indicators such as water quality, seagrass and coral health can give us early and long-term insights about the health of the Reef.
Tell us what you've seen!
We love hearing about the incredible things you have seen out on the Reef. We also want to know about anything out of the ordinary that you come across. Let us know using Eye on the Reef app. Your piece of the puzzle will help us in our mission to See the Reef. Love the Reef. Protect the Reef.
Is it a shark or is it a ray?
Guests upon Ocean Safari were greeted by a giant shovelnose ray this week. See what else was spotted using the sightings network! These graceful giants are commonly confused with sharks because of their prominent dorsal fins. But there is an easy telltale that can help you spot the difference.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the continuing sea country management and custodianship of the Great Barrier Reef by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect the Reef for future generations.
