The Great Barrier Reef : Finding the right balance

The Great Barrier Reef is well known as a World Heritage area, an icon of natural wonders and a tourist drawcard, but the management techniques protecting it are not well understood.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is unique in size, in structure, and in operations.

It is the world's largest marine park, and the first marine-based World Heritage area.

Despite its national and international importance as a model of multiple-use of marine resources, there has been little analysis of the management of the Great Barrier Reef.

Changing issues challenge the policies for managing this dynamic, diverse and fragile environment.

The integrated management of coastal areas is vital if the Reef is to sustain itself.