Conservation Status

Although the Great Barrier Reef is under threat, there are many organizations in Australia that are fighting for its survival. The most prominent organization is The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. This organization has allocated different levels of protection to reefs throughout the ecosystem. The three levels are: general use, intermediate levels of access and extraction, and complete preservation. The GBR Marine Park Authority tries its best to create a balance of socioeconomic and ecological priorities. The organization also has won numerous international awards for its innovative and effective eco-initiatives. One is example is the “Eye of the Reef,” which is a partnership with the tourism industry and the reef research community. While selected tourism operators collect biological information at frequently visited reef and island sites, community and reef members help detect large-scale coral bleaching. Besides the efforts of the GBR Marine Park Authority, other organizations are suggesting to budget the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus farmers can use to soften the impact of nutrient runoff. The most important thing to do is to spread awareness about Great Barrier Reef's problems and to support these organizations. The Great Barrier Reef is a leading source of tourism for Australia, and Australia can leverage this power to help save the reef.   

Over the years, the GBR Marine Park Authority has increased protection on the reefs.
http://www.budget.gov.au/2004-05/ministerial/image/environment-8.gif