The Great Barrier Reef is a rich and complex natural ecosystem. It is the largest coral system on the planet, with almost 3,000 individual reefs covering an area of 344,400 square kilometres – approximately the size of Germany.
Not only is the Reef an ecosystem of extraordinary natural beauty, it also contributes $6.4 billion each year to the Australian economy, and supports 64,000 jobs.
The Reef is subject to significant environmental pressures, including marine heatwaves associated with climate change, cyclones, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks.
To understand the effects of these pressures, AIMS provides essential data on the status of coral and fish communities and how they are changing through two programs – the Long-Term Monitoring Program, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Monitoring Program. We also collaborate with the Healthy Rivers to Reefs Partnership to monitor reefs as part of the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program.
Our monitoring of the Great Barrier Reef ensures scientists, reef managers and the Australian community have access to up-to-date and accurate information.
