Great Barrier Reef Info

Where

The Great Barrier Reef: the pride of Queensland and a treasure trove of marine biodiversity which starts from the tip of Cape York and extends south as far as Bundaberg; a coastal wonderland of over 2000 kilometers. Through millions of years of evolutionary change the Reef has persisted, but these days despite its World Heritage Listing, many among us voice concerns of the future of the Reef due to pollution, global warming or over-use. Whatever our concern, the preservation of the reef will always be a priority and is the responsibility of each and every person who takes delight in its wonders, who finds sustenance in its abundance, and who understands the value of a harmonious marine ecosystem which dances to a very special tune.

What

The Great Barrier Reef, which is made up of the skeletal remains of lime excreting organisms, is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world. It is home to an abundance of life forms, with literally thousands of species of, fish, mollusk, crustaceans, sponges and other invertebrate species which live among the hundreds of hard and soft coral species, creating a kaleidoscope of colour and form. The proliferation of life is not limited to the reef, the surrounding islands are also vibrant entities, providing essential nesting habitats for turtles and seabirds.

Significantly, a number of endangered species also make good use of the reef environment. Whilst some may only visit periodically whilst ‘en route’ to migratory destinations, others call the reef home on a permanent basis. The dugong, Loggerhead Turtle and Humpback Whale are just some of these.

The Reef is comprised of almost 3000 individual reefs and around 900 islands (GBRMPA). Coral growth is predominantly limited to relatively shallow waters which allow the penetration of  sunlight. Other criteria for growth include clean and salty water and minimum sea temperatures of around 18ºC. Rivers flowing through the ever-developing Far North are the subject of ongoing analysis to identify sediment, chemical, nutrient and other human induced influences which may, upon exiting into the ocean, affect the health of the Reef (and the rivers!). 

Who

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) oversees the management of the Park. For all Reef related information, including advice on where you can go, what you can do and related regulations and permits, the GBRMPA should be your first port of call. All enquiries can be directed to: (07) 4750 0700

Additional information on the Great Barrier Reef can be found at (but is not limited to):

• www.barrierreef.org
• www.reefed.edu.au
• www.reef.crc.org.au
• www.reefteach.com.au

How

A myriad of tours operate on the reef, many which base themselves out of Cairns or Port Douglas. Snorkelling or Scuba Diving are undoubtedly the best ways to appreciate the colours and life among the Reef. For the less able, willing or adventurous, there’s glass bottom boats or ‘reef walks’.

Visitor Centres which are dotted around Cairns will bombard you with glossy pamplets and endless tour options. Perhaps the easiest way decide is to ask someone (unbiased!) for a recommendation.

Be aware that if the weather turns sour Reef tours are likely to be cancelled or postponed.  Aside from the fact that you wont see much, choppy murky waters are a safety issue. As such, a number of tours may not operate during the wet season when heavy rain and cyclonic activity is common.

Reef Rules (by Nagging Nanna)

If you plan to get up close and personal with the Reef, please, hark back to your childhood days and remember your mum’s nagging mantra:

“LOOK, DON’T TOUCH!”

“How banal” you may smirk; but aside from respecting the right of all the marine organisms to carry out their lives with minimal disruption and stress, this mantra may also protect you from a number of marine dwelling creatures which possess venomous stings or nasty bites. As an additional caution, its wise to wear some kind of reef boot (not the ones with the paper thin soles which walking on resembles, umm, let’s see…, bare feet!). Given the propensity of sharks to frequent murky waters and periods of sun rise and sun set, perhaps its best to consider this in your underwater plans too.

To harp on a little more, it should be noted that taking any ‘souvenirs’ from the Reef may land you with more than just karmic nightmares. Protected species on the Reef are numerous and whilst it may be difficult to pocket a dugong or a shark, many will be tempted by shells and other oceanic nick-knacks, some of which are indeed, protected species. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website can provide information on what you can take and in what quantity – and be free from karmic retaliation.

This also applies to those among us who most enjoys an abundant marine ecosystem with a line and hook. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park isn’t a  fishing free-for-all. Aside from the fact that there are a number of protected fish species, there are strict regulations guiding where you can fish, what you can fish for and how many you take. Check out the zoning maps  and additional guidelines on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website.

And remember, whether it was the, purple perm granny or the shifty looking bloke or the legs up to her armpits bikini babe, who, ‘went there’, ‘took it’ or ‘touched it’ contrary to the regulations…

it’s NOT a case of:

“well…. If they did it, it won’t matter if I do it too…” We are NOT lemmings!!

Preserve, Protect and ENJOY!

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