Maps of reef give accuracy

BREAKTHROUGH mapping technology is providing new levels of understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and helping target reef strategies with even greater accuracy.

Jointly developed through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the University of Queensland, the new technology combines satellite imagery and underwater mapping to create the most detailed biological terrain maps of the reef to date.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the reef was one of the best managed systems in the world.

“This breakthrough is a perfect example of science informing reef management,” Ms Ley said.

“Thousands of individual satellite images are producing a high-resolution picture of the offshore reef, making how we look at individual reefs easier, clearer, and more accurate.”

Lead scientist on the GBR habitat mapping project Dr Chris Roelfsema and his team from the University of Queensland developed the maps in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and EOMAP Ltd for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.