by Mat Churchill

The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) has hit back at claims the Great Barrier Reef is under threat from the tourism industry.

In response to The Newsport article 'GBR high on ruination list' of 28 July, where the Mother Nature Network listed the reef as one of the world's top 15 attractions being ruined by tourists, AMPTO's Col McKenzie sprung to the defense of the tourism industry.

"The (Mother Nature Network) report is inaccurate and conceived with ill-informed opinions," he said. "In comparison to other reefs around the world the Great Barrier Reef is very well managed, not over used, and not loved to death.

"We have moratoriums on new permits which makes it hard to get into the industry. There is a lot of misconceptions about the damage tourists do.

"20 years ago people were allowed to do reef walks, but that's a thing of the past. We've learnt a lot since then."

Tourism operators are also encouraged to undertake eco-tourism qualifications and climate action certification, and Mr McKenzie pointed out the good work many of the tourism operators do."Quicksilver, for example, is an exceptionally good corporate citizen, environmentally and socially."

Mr McKenzie made comment that it wasn't the tourists harming the reef. "There are two million people who visit the reef each year and it's heavily regulated. But there are 14 million other users who are using the reef for recreation, water sports, and fishing who aren't regulated".

He pointed out that boat operators in the tourism industry are responsible for properly managing the waste from their operations, including sewage, and have a vested interest in maintaining the pristine condition of the reef for their livelihood.

Editors Comments: This has always been my worry.  I can't see that the tour operators would let their guests damage the reef and having been on several trips I know how tightly controlled the activities are.  What I don't see much control over or policing of, is the independent recreational reef user.  Most fishing charters are well controlled but what about the day tripper?  I'd like to hear your views.