Managing activities and use

Fishing on the Great Barrier Reef is an important pastime and a source of income for both Queensland coastal communities and the seafood industry.

The marine tourism industry is a key partner in the protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef and provides world-class tourism experiences.

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area includes approximately 1050 islands, comprising coral cays, continental islands and mangrove islands.

Commercial shipping is vital to Queensland’s economy. To cater for this industry, there are 10 major trading ports and two minor ones along the Great Barrier Reef coast.

Commercial shipping within the Great Barrier Reef is subject to stringent management arrangements and special measures are undertaken to regulate shipping activities.

The Reef Authority supports ecologically sustainable cruise ship operations within the Great Barrier Reef, special measures are taken to manage this activity.

Traditional use is undertaking activities in the Marine Park as part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultures, customs or traditions.

A number of Commonwealth islands in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are of historic heritage significance.

The Great Barrier Reef is a multi-use area and the Reef supports significant commercial industries. It is important to manage the use in a sustainable way. 

The Australian Defence Force has operated and trained in designated areas of the Great Barrier Reef region for more than 100 years.

Dredging takes place to establish and maintain safe access channels for ships and other vessels at ports or marinas.

An independent panel of experts has compiled existing scientific knowledge of how dredging and disposal impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.