Still on computer stuff, for technophiles our Geographic Information System gurus have written about the sometimes painful process of establishing an operational and relevant GIS. As with all technology, there is no easy path to its incorporation and there are a number of lessons that the writers bring to our attention. Hopefully some of the less productive paths can be avoided by other GIS developers that are out there in our readership circle. Probably the take home message is that it is imperative to adequately resource the development from day one.
This issue of the newsletter further examines the state of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area from values, experiences and tourist impacts perspectives. As with the ecological summary that was presented in the March issue most uses of the Park by tourists appear to be relatively benign although there is no room for complacency and some question exists with regard to the quality of the experiences that some visitors expect.
Not so benign is the subject of 'Slick Talk', which describes an almost unbelievable series of events leading to the grounding of the vessel 'Sanko Harvest' off the coast of Western Australia. I hesitate to think too long about the danger to the Great Barrier Reef if similarly crewed and operated vessels are traversing the inner route to various ports on the coast of Queensland. One can only hope that efforts such as those in train as a result of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Shipping Study provide for ever increasing protection of one of the jewels in the Australian environmental crown.
| Ed. |
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810. Phone: (077) 500 700, Fax: (077) 726 093
E-mail: registry@gbrmpa.gov.au