7. Existing protection and management

This evaluation of effectiveness of management focuses on the direct management of research activities that occur within the Region. Alignment of research into decision-making and management agency interactions with research providers are also considered, but to a lesser extent. 

Research conducted on the Reef is a source of ongoing knowledge upon which to base future management policies and decisions. Most research activities occur at the four major research stations on Lizard, Orpheus, One Tree and Heron islands. 

Researchers who undertake research in the Region, such as collection of specimens, in situ experiments and installation of research equipment, require permits and licences from managing agencies. The Reef Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have lead roles in managing research activities. These activities are managed through zoning plans, legislation, policy and the marine parks permissions system. Joint accreditation of research institutions by the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service enables low-risk research to occur in some locations without the need for specific permits.⁵ 

The role of citizen science has increased in intensity over this period of review. Citizen science programs are increasingly aiming to support decision-making by Reef managers. Key programs to help facilitate this include Eye on the Reef and The Great Reef Census. One notable use of data from citizen science programs is in the Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program which uses data to inform culling efforts.

Most impacts associated with research are understood and are considered low risk and well managed. The Reef Authority, in partnership with the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, has been actively adapting the planning system for research in response to the emerging field of intervention and adaptation research. 

In 2020, the managing agencies published a policy on Great Barrier Reef interventions (Box 7.3). This is a vital first step in planning for and managing research efforts into novel intervention and adaptation approaches, such as those being conducted by the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. These interventions vary in their associated risk. In 2023, research on interventions was largely focused on initial small-scale trials with low complexity. The objective of these programs is to develop a suite of interventions that will build the resilience of the Reef. To accomplish this goal, the interventions will grow in size and complexity with early efforts to manage risk effectively becoming increasingly important. While key biophysical information gaps remain in relation to feasibility, potential impacts and anticipated future benefits of some of these interventions, the policy represents a positive step toward managing research efforts in the face of future uncertainty. The policy is complemented by guidelines that address the emergence of research into interventions on the Reef.

Research is generally not considered to have a large or detrimental impact on the Reef ecosystem. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the cumulative impacts of research activities. Specifically, there is limited understanding of cumulative impacts in relation to extractive research efforts. There is the potential for risk of lasting harm from the cumulative impact of research on reefs surrounding the four major research stations where most research takes place. While recognising the knowledge gap, some researchers suggest that damage to these reefs is likely to be outweighed by benefits from the outcomes of the research.

Permitting for research in the Marine Park has also seen some notable improvements since 2019. Through streamlining permits and improvements to the Reef Management System and Permits Online system researchers and education programs can now submit their permit activity reports (such as take of specimens, equipment installation) through an online database that is searchable by the Reef Authority. Uncertainty remains about the adequacy of current Marine Park permission systems in keeping pace with novel intervention and adaptation approaches. Additionally, there is a need for greater baseline information to inform permitting and research decisions, including on cumulative impacts.

Applied research and monitoring is key to assessing and advising on the condition (and trend in condition) of the values and threats arising from broader environmental and anthropogenic stressors. Numerous science strategies, research partnerships and funding streams are in place to support and influence research priorities so that outcomes can be applied to and integrated into management. While the Reef Authority and Queensland government agencies are not primarily research organisations, they have sound working relationships with the scientific community. Examples include memorandums of understanding with universities and relationships with science organisations, such as CSIRO and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and museums, such as the Australian Museum which operates the Lizard Island Research Station. These relationships allow managing agencies to help focus research on key management issues for the Region and to better distribute findings via cross-organisation training and meetings. Where possible, these relationships also help facilitate review of research management practices to minimise any adverse impacts of research activities. The development of the Data Management System for the Reef 2050 Monitoring and Reporting Program is intended to harvest data from multiple sources to form a common ‘data lake’ with managed access. This system is designed to facilitate easier access for managers to Reef research outputs with a focus on monitoring and modelling.