People on the Reef

People have been involved with the reef for tens of thousands of years. As well as a source of seafood, the reef continues to be an area of deep cultural significance for Australia's indigenous peoples.

Snorklers Photo: Pure Pleasure

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area supports a wide range of human activities, including tourism and diving, commercial, recreational and traditional fishing, ports and shipping activities. The tourism and fishing industries are worth more than $2 billion annually in the Australian economy.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is managed in order to sustain its protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment. This is achieved through the support of the community in its commitment to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and through provision of zoning and other regulations, which permit and restrict certain activities on some parts of the reef.

In this section, we provide some information about management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and some of the primary activities significant to human use of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.