Reef Research has expanded to include a regular new section called Reef Management News. Science plays a major role in GBRMPA's management decisions and so it's important to understand how research and reef management work together in developing strategies for sustainable use of the Marine Park. There are many challenges facing reef planners and managers, including the down stream effects of land based activities on the Reef biology, the effects of fishing programs, minimising human impacts and the development of zoning plans to meet future user needs. Reef Management News welcomes your comments on topics published each quarter.

Things have certainly progressed on the ethics issue. The Research Ethics Committee, which was established by the Authority early in 1997 (see Ethics of Manipulative Research, Reef Research Vol. 7, No. 1), has met on a number of occasions and terms of reference have been finalised by the Committee. An Australian Academy of Science Fenner Conference on the Environment, 'Ethics of research and management practices in World Heritage and other environmentally sensitive areas: Policy and practice' was held on the 26-28 November in Canberra, Australia. The outcomes of the conference are reported in Reef Management News.

1998 - the International Year of the Ocean - sees the Authority with a new executive structure. John Tanzer, who was previously the Executive Chairman of the Queensland Fisheries Management Authority, joined the Authority as an Executive Director in November 1997. John joins Richard Kenchington, who was also appointed as an Executive Director in 1997.

This issue of Reef Research includes three articles from guest writers. Gayle Jennings has written two articles for What's Out There? on the use of Shoalwater Bay by recreationalists and cruising yachtpersons. Brad Fisher, of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, writes about Environmental Sensitivity Indexes. David Haynes, Water Quality Coordinator of the Research and Monitoring Section summarises data on debris found in the Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

COTS COMMs reports on the goings on at the 8th Pacific Science Association Inter-Congress in Suva, Fiji and the latest with the 'COTSWATCH - International' scheme. Steve Raaymakers discusses the steps that have been taken to boost the prevention of pollution for the Great Barrier Reef, and in the update by the CRC Reef Research Centre, we hear how recommendations have been made for the CRC Program to be drastically cut, a move that could have tremendous implications for many of us.

Happy New Year. Regards

Kim Davis
Editor