The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009 was provided to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts on 30 June 2009 and subsequently tabled in the Australian Parliament. 

The Outlook report was prepared by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).  It acknowledges that while the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) continues to be one of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the world, the outlook for this World Heritage listed natural icon is now at a crossroad.

This first Outlook Report provides a comprehensive and frank assessment of the GBR and highlights that it is one of the most diverse and remarkable ecosystems in the world and remains one of the most healthy coral reef ecosystems. Climate change, continued declining water quality from catchment runoff, loss of coastal habitats from coastal development and a small number of impacts from fishing are identified as the priority issues reducing the resilience of the GBR.  Despite the introduction of significant protection and management initiatives, the overall outlook for the Great Barrier Reef is poor.

The Outlook Report was prepared by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority based on the best available information.  It is a summary of the past and present condition of the environmental, economic and social values of the GBR and presents its possible future.  Many people with an interest in the GBR contributed to its development, including leading Great Barrier Reef scientists, industry representatives and members of regional communities. The Report was independently peer reviewed.

Further information: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/about_us/great_barrier_reef_outlook_r...