The Australian Government's $1.2 billion Reef protection package included a $260 million investment in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (Reef Authority) key programs, significantly strengthening its capacity to manage and protect the Reef.
$15.1 million was allocated to activate marine tourism assets to deliver important reef protection and conservation services for the Reef Authority through to 30 June 2024.
This initiative will deliver Reef protection and conservation services at high-value tourism reef sites across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
- Reef protection and conservation services include:
- Development of Site Stewardship Plans.
- High frequency reef health surveys and monitoring actions at stewardship sites.
- Crown-of-thorns starfish control.
- Drupella snail removal.
- Facilitation of on-country visits for Traditional Owners.
- Experience development and implementation of reef education and interpretation programs that focus on the values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
- Permitted assisted recovery and site-intervention activities.
26 Great Barrier Reef tourism operators contracted to deliver Services at over 100 high value tourism or ecologically selected reef sites covering 95 Reefs spread geographically along the Marine Park.
75 Tourism staff have been trained in Eye on the Reef survey and monitoring techniques from all regions of the Great Barrier Reef.