ur last edition for this year, in fact this century.
GBRMPA has been in the Marine Park management business only
during the last quarter of this century, almost 25 years, and yet we
have developed and implemented management systems, which are now
being followed in many parts of the world. The next century will
bring with it huge challenges for managing and protecting this vital
World Heritage Area—challenges in which we all have a part to
play.
Significant developments in planning and management have seen the
implementation of Amendments to the Plans of Management for Cairns
and the Whitsundays. One of the most important tasks for the Plans
is to maintain recreational opportunities, setting aside areas for
high-use tourism and areas where visitors can enjoy a low-key
experience with small numbers of boats and people.
Also in this edition, we look at protecting bird life on
Michaelmas Cay using the control tower at Cairns Airport, what you
can expect if you damage corals while anchoring on the reef, dugong
hunting, more community involvement as a result of developing Local
Marine Advisory Committees, the ever present threat of oil spills on
the Reef, and some thoughts from the new Chair of the
Authority,
Virginia Chadwick.
Finally, from all of us here at the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Authority, a very happy Xmas and a productive New Year.
