Adaptive management of the Great Barrier Reef: a globally significant demonstration of the benefits of networks of marine reserves.
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) provides a globally significant demonstration of the effectiveness of large-scale networks of marine reserves in contributing to integrated, adaptive management. Comprehensive review of available evidence shows major, rapid benefits of no-take areas for targeted fish and sharks, in both reef and nonreef habitats, with potential benefits for fisheries as well as biodiversity conservation. Large, mobile species like sharks benefit less than smaller, site-attached fish. Critically, reserves also appear to benefit overall ecosystem health and resilience: outbreaks of coral-eating, crown-of-thorns starfish appear less frequent on no-take reefs, which consequently have higher abundance of coral, the very foundation of reef ecosystems. Effective marine reserves require regular review of compliance: fish abundances in no-entry zones suggest that even no-take zones may be significantly depleted due to poaching. Spatial analyses comparing zoning with seabed biodiversity or dugong distributions illustrate significant benefits from application of best-practice conservation principles in data-poor situations. Increases in the marine reserve network in 2004 affected fishers, but preliminary economic analysis suggests considerable net benefits, in terms of protecting environmental and tourism values. Relative to the revenue generated by reef tourism, current expenditure on protection is minor. Recent implementation of an Outlook Report provides regular, formal review of environmental condition and management and links to policy responses, key aspects of adaptive management. Given the major threat posed by climate change, the expanded network of marine reserves provides a critical and cost-effective contribution to enhancing the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.
McCook
Laurence J
LJ
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia. l.mccook@gbrmpa.gov.au
Ayling
Tony
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Cappo
Mike
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Choat
J Howard
JH
Evans
Richard D
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De Freitas
Debora M
DM
Heupel
Michelle
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Hughes
Terry P
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Jones
Geoffrey P
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Mapstone
Bruce
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Marsh
Helene
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Mills
Morena
M
Molloy
Fergus J
FJ
Pitcher
C Roland
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Pressey
Robert L
RL
Russ
Garry R
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Sutton
Stephen
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Sweatman
Hugh
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Tobin
Renae
R
Wachenfeld
David R
DR
Williamson
David H
DH
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa; D044822:Biodiversity; D018533:Biomass; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D020454:Dugong; D017753:Ecosystem; D005398:Fisheries; D005399:Fishes; D020387:Food Chain; D006801:Humans; D008386:Marine Biology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011793:Queensland; D012754:Sharks; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014426:Turtles