The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is widely recognised as a global benchmark in the conservation of marine ecosystems, and today Reef lovers from across Australia and beyond are celebrating five decades of its protection.
Last Friday, 20 June, marked 50 years since the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (the Act) was granted royal assent, signing into the law the creation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The watershed legislation was also the genesis of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the world’s first statutory body dedicated to the protection and management of a coral reef system, in partnership with the Queensland Government.
Reef Authority CEO Josh Thomas said while the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is famous the world over for its complex biodiversity and stunning natural environments, the origins of its designation as a Marine Park are not as well known.
“The legislation to designate the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was developed following a nationwide campaign to protect the Reef from proposed oil and gas exploration, and coral harvesting for agricultural lime,” Mr Thomas said.
“Today’s milestone — and the foresight and passion of all those who have played a role in Reef protection — is certainly worth celebrating, as is the custodianship of Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to Land and Sea Country which dates back more than 60,000 years.
“These collective protection efforts are the foundation on which our current Reef management practices are built, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role over the years.”
Mr Thomas said the evolution of Reef management over 50 years is not only extraordinary, but vital as the Reef faces new challenges from a rapidly changing climate.
“We are now seeing the cumulative effects of climate change in real time, and it is imperative that we continue to address the key threats outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report to protect the Reef on a local, national and global level,” he said.
“Over the past 50 years we, along with our vast partnership network have built a strong foundation for protection through the Great Barrier Reef Zoning Plan 2003, continued investment in the Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program and Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRA) as well as widely recognised stewardship programs with schools, local councils, and the tourism industry.
“Reef management is a collective effort, and ongoing collaboration and innovation will be critical to maintaining the Reef’s resilience into the future.”
For more information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority visit their website here https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/
