Tourism and the Great Barrier Reef: healthy reef, healthy industry

[Extract] The purpose of this case study is to highlight the key management strategies of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to manage tqurism in Australia's World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Recognised as one:ofthe world's best managed coral reef ecosystems, the GBR is potentially better placed to handle the pressures of accumulating risks than many other reef systems. The GBR Wor,ld Heritage Area extends to a vast 348,OOOkm² and within this domain approximately 400 commercial tourism operators accommodate 1.8 million visitor days and 2.3 million passenger transfers each year. Established in 1975, the GBRMPA works within a strong legislative framework to manage the marine park and employs a range of regulatory tools and management plans to ensure that tourism is sustainably managed