The Representative Areas Program for Protecting Biodiversity in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

1 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, PO Box 1379 Townsville Queensland 4810, Australia 2 Cooperative Research Centre of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, James Cook University, Townsville Queensland 4810, Australia 3 9 Butler Drive, Kuranda Queensland 4872, Australia 4 previously GBRMPA; New South Wales Department of Fisheries Port Stephens, Taylors Beach NSW 2317, Australia 5 previously GBRMPA; International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management, PO Box 500, Penang 10670 Malaysia 6 Institute for Regional Development, University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6907, Australia Abstract Existing no-take areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park reflect a historical focus on coral reefs and remote ‘pristine’ areas. The Representative Areas Program (RAP) aims to enhance protection of the region’s biodiversity by developing a network of no-take areas that represents the range of habitats and communities within the Marine Park. A comprehensive range of biological and physical information was used to define 70 reef and non-reef bioregions across the World Heritage Area. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is identifying options for no-take area networks using a combination of expert opinion, stakeholder involvement and analytical approaches. Marine reserve design software has been adapted and expanded for use in the RAP. The aim in selecting the final no-take area network is to maximise biodiversity protection whilst minimising economic, cultural and social costs. The RAP is therefore being undertaken with comprehensive public participation involving all interested parties.