Public perceptions of the Great Barrier Reef and its management (B2.5)

Chief Investigator: Dr Gianna Moscardo

The CRC Reef tourism project team together with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), identified information needs necessary for the effective management of reef tourism. How people perceive the Great Barrier Reef, their experiences of it, and their understanding of how and why it is managed, is important information for the GBRMPA when developing, implementing and monitoring management strategies and tools. Such strategies and tools include zoning provisions, plans of management, permitting and public education, interpretation and extension.

This study has been developed and undertaken to evaluate current knowledge and perceptions of the GBR and provide recommendations of the design of effective education/interpretation for reef users and the wider public. This project aims to improve both the quality of reef interpretation and the effectiveness of management strategies.

The fourth and final telephone survey for this project was undertaken in April 2001. The data summary report from this study - Public perceptions of the management of the GBR 2001, July 2001 - is now available at the B2.5 Publications page. This report presents the preliminary results of a telephone survey of 1183 residents of Brisbane (13%), Sydney (10%), Canberra (18%), Melbourne (11%) and the regions adjacent to the GBRWHA (48%).