Why monitor?

The major reason for monitoring ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, is to detect change. An ecosystem can change naturally or due to human activities.

Monitoring improves our understanding of the natural dynamics of the environment and is a critical part of scientific research. It is essential to monitor changes that are caused by human activities for improved management of natural resources to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of these ecosystems.

There are generally three types of environmental monitoring:

Monitoring the ecological health of the environment.
This is mainly carried out by research organisations such as universities, government research institutes or by government agencies. Recently, community groups have also established environmental monitoring programs. The results of such assessments are usually reported to the public; examples are the National State of the Environment Report , produced by the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage, and the State of the Reef Report , produced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Monitoring to detect and assess environmental impacts of human activities.
This is done for different reasons and by a variety of groups, such as scientific research organisations, government agencies or private enterprise. It may range from project-specific environmental impact assessments to large-scale monitoring of ecosystems or resources under pressure from human activities. The results are predominantly used for decision-making by natural resource management agencies. Results of such monitoring may be reported in the public domain.

Compliance monitoring.
This is usually specific to an industrial or urban development and is commissioned by private enterprise. For example, the ‘end-of-pipe’ measurements of water pollutant levels against established trigger levels or standards may be monitored. Results of this monitoring are usually not reported in the public domain, except for in the environmental reports of some companies.

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) is monitored in many ways. Monitoring of the physical, biological and socio-economic conditions of the GBRWHA ranges from large-scale monitoring by government and research organisations, to community monitoring in coastal environments with an education and awareness focus.