Dr Erin Bohensky

Coastal communities and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) have a mutually beneficial relationship: proximity to the GBR allows easy access and a sense of connection to reef ecosystems. Coastal residents and organisations are often best-placed to serve as the GBR’s custodians, due to their knowledge of and identification with the reef. On the other hand, these communities can also have negative impacts on the Reef. These varied relationships are underpinned by community perceptions and motivations, as well as drivers of change that originate outside the community.