Great Barrier Reef protection sets a global precedent, says WWF
01 Jul 2004
Gland, Switzerland - Australia's Great Barrier Reef today becomes the world's largest network of marine highly protected areas, as a new zoning plan comes into effect. This follows a four-year campaign by WWF, the global conservation organization.
Under the plan, strict protection of the reef system will rise from 4.6 per cent to 33 per cent of the existing Marine Park and World Heritage Area, covering more than 11 million hectares - equivalent to about half the size of the UK. While tourism will continue in the new, scientifically-based network of marine protected areas, all commercial and recreational fishing are prohibited from now on.
WWF believes that the increased and stricter protection of the Great Barrier Reef should inspire other countries to take similar measures in key marine regions such as the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea in South-East Asia and the Meso-American Reef in Central America. According to WWF, Australia should also increase the protection of the Ningaloo Reef region, off the country's Western coast. The global conservation organization stresses that currently only 0.5 per cent of the oceans and seas is under protection, compared to 12 per cent of protected land area, this results in overfishing of most of the fisheries, and depletion of commercial fish stocks. Furthermore, 60 per cent of coral reefs are expected to be lost by 2030 if present rates of decline continue. Coral reefs are threatened by climate change, overfishing and coastal pollution.
"With its actions towards conserving one of the world's greatest natural treasures, Australia shows once again that it is a world leader in marine protection," said Dr Simon Cripps, Director of WWF's global Marine Programme. "The Great Barrier Reef's network of protected areas is a global benchmark which now sets a precedent for future marine conservation."
The new network of highly protected areas will reduce pressure on the Great Barrier Reef and enhance its capacity to overcome large-scale threats - such as coral bleaching - linked to climate change and global warming.
"It is vital to combat climate change at all levels, and to replace oil and coal-based energy with clean, renewable energy sources," said Imogen Zethoven, WWF-Australia's Great Barrier Reef campaign manager. "While we are struggling to contain the long-term threat of global warming, the stricter protection of the Great Barrier Reef will enable depleted fish stocks to recover in important spawning sites and nurseries. It will also safeguard key habitat for threatened species such as turtles and dugongs."
The Great Barrier Reef isn't just one of the world's most precious natural treasures, but one of Australia's most valuable tourism assets generating more than 4.2 billion Australian dollars (2.7 billion Euros) annually. According to WWF, the process that resulted in the new level of protection of the Great Barrier Reef generated unprecedented community interest and support.
For further information
Imogen Zethoven, WWF-Australia's Great Barrier Reef campaign, + 61 7 38392677 or +61 414 950 959
Peter Bryant, WWF's global Marine Programme, +41 22 364 9028
