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The Reef ecosystem includes a diverse range of habitat types that are essential to the survival of thousands of species. These habitats range from islands and mangrove forests to coral reefs and continental slope. 

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, supporting a wide variety of species, such as corals, seagrasses, sea snakes, and bony fishes.

Chemical processes contribute to a resilient and functioning Reef ecosystem. Components of chemical processes include ocean pH, ocean salinity, and nutrient cycling.

Physical processes include sea temperatures, ocean currents, cyclones and wind, sediment exposure, freshwater inflows, sea level and light.

Coastal ecosystems include saltmarshes, freshwater wetlands, forested floodplains, heath and shrublands, grass and sedgelands, woodlands and forests and rainforests.

Disease, introduced species and pest species are major disruptors to a healthy and functioning Reef ecosystem and can reduce populations of key species, disrupt food chains and displace the ecological balance underpinning biodiversity.

Heritage values include natural, Indigenous, and historic heritage values and other heritage values including social, aesthetic and scientific.

Impacts of a changing climate on the Reef include increased air and sea temperature, extreme and shifting weather patterns, altered ocean currents, increased sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and increased ultraviolet radiation.

Human use of the Reef encompasses a wide range of activities, including commercial marine tourism, defence, fishing, recreation, research and education, ports, shipping and the traditional use of marine resources by First Nations peoples.

Protection and management of the Reef is driven by strong partnerships between Commonwealth, State and local governments, Traditional Owners, industry, researchers and community groups.

Indigenous knowledge is a body of integrated, holistic, social, and ecological knowledge, practices and beliefs related to the relationship of living beings, including people, with one another and with their environments.