Classifying the Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

Abstract

This technical report outlines the methods that the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority used to classify the biodiversity of the marine environs of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area for the Representative Areas Program. Classification was the first step in the multiphase Representative Areas Program that eventuated in a new network of no-take areas, free from extractive activities, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The main objectives of the Representative Areas Program were to:

Maintain biological diversity at the ecosystem, habitat, species, population and genetic levels

Allow species to evolve and function undisturbed Provide an ecological safety margin against human-induced and natural disasters

Provide a solid ecological base from which threatened species or habitats can recover or repair themselves and Maintain ecological processes.