Positive reception for Reef priorities

THE first report by Great Barrier Reef special envoy Warren Entsch has been awarded a gold star by Far Northern reef conservationists.

The paper to Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley outlined priorities for reef rehabilitation including, but not limited to, carbon capture in mangroves and marine ecosys

tems, the elimination of single use plastics and the call for a total survey of the Reef.

In a move not likely to win fans among conservative MPs, the Federal Member for Leichhardt frankly acknowledged that “human induced global warming” was a “significant challenge to ecosystems and economies.”

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO Andy Ridley said the paper was “surprisingly good”.

“It covers off on what are the relevant, critical issues,” Mr Ridley said.

The report called for the surveying of the Reef as a “priority”. Citizens of the Reef launched its Reef Census project in October last year.

“With this challenge comes bigger opportunities for a unique tropical economy,” Mr Ridley said.

“The idea of using the Barrier Reef as a pilot project, we are really well placed to do it.”

Reef Restoration Foundation CEO Rob Giason said he was “extremely pleased” by the paper.

“There is a lot of work to be done, on many differing fronts,” he said.

“The fact that restoration is highlighted is a positive. There are a number of very experienced professionals undertaking different forms of restoration to support mother nature maintain a healthy reef system.”

Sheridan Morris of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre said the measures outlined in the report were achievable and out-of-the-box.

“This is all core stuff, he points to sensible work and hasn’t gone on wild tangents.”