The new network of no-take zones (NTZ) in the GBR was guided by 11 Biophysical Operational Principles developed using general principles of reserve design and the best available knowledge of the GBR ecosystem (see Resources). They included:
- Have a few larger (rather than many smaller) NTZs
- Have sufficient replication of NTZs to insure against negative impacts
- Where a reef is within a NTZ, the whole reef should be included
- Represent at least 20% of each bioregion in NTZs
- Represent cross-shelf and latitudinal diversity in the network of NTZs
- Maximise use of environmental information like connectivity to form viable networks
- Incorporate biophysically special/unique places
- Consider adjacent sea uses and land uses when choosing NTZs
Four Social, Economic, Cultural and Management Feasibility Operational Principles were also applied:
- Maximise complementarity of NTZs with human values, activities and opportunities;
- Ensure that final selection of NTZs recognises social costs and benefits;
- Maximise placement of NTZs in locations which complement and include present and future management and tenure arrangements; and
- Maximise public understanding and acceptance of NTZs, and facilitate enforcement of NTZs.
An independent Scientific Steering Committee, including scientists with expertise in the GBR, helped to develop these principles, basing them upon expert knowledge of the ecosystem, available literature and their advice as to what would best protect the biodiversity. Careful consideration of the views of Traditional Owners, users, stakeholders and decision-makers was an essential pre-requisite before deciding the final spatial configuration of NTZs that could fulfil these principles.
- Having a publicly-available set of planning principles assists everyone to understand how the NTZ network is developed.
- The principles are based on the best available science and expert knowledge but can be improved.
- A principle should not be considered in isolation; they all need to be treated collectively as ‘a package’ to underpin the number, size and location of NTZs.
- None of these recommendations is for ‘ideal’ or ‘desired’ amounts and they refer to recommended minimum protection levels. Protecting at least these amounts in each bioregion, and each habitat, helps achieve the objective of protecting the range of biodiversity.
- The “minimum of 20% per bioregion” principle is often misunderstood – it is NOT saying that 20% of every bioregion in NTZs must be protected; rather it recommends no less than 20% should be protected. In some instances that is only the minimum amount and in some less contested bioregions, a higher percentage protected is more appropriate.