Adapting the sustainable exploitation of coral reef resources to provide for climate change (2010-2015)

Coral reefs are worth $3.7 billion pa to the Australian economy but are imperilled by climate change. This research program will influence environmental policy at global and local scales. By modelling the effects of climate change on reefs, it quantifies the impacts on reefs of reducing different greenhouse gas emissions, thereby providing targeted results for international policy-making on climate change. Secondly, through collaboration with industry and academe, it extends management tools so that the problem of climate change can be tackled explicitly through integration of marine reserves and the world's first 'coral friendly' fisheries policies. In so doing, Australia will enhance its world leadership in marine conservation.