NERP TE Project 5.1 - Understanding diversity of the GBR: spatial and temporal dynamics and environmental drivers, 2011-2014 (AIMS)

Updated: 2026-06-25

Our current knowledge of the mechanisms that affect diversity of plants and animals on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is minimal. This project will map the diversity of groups of organisms and environments of the GBR using existing long-term and large-scale data, and relate biotic diversity to spatial, environmental and temporal drivers. These relationships will be interpreted in the context of risk, zoning and management. Outcomes include: 1. Online interactive maps of the diversity of fishes, corals, other organisms and environments of the GBR. 2. Quantification of changes in diversity in space and time for GBR organisms and environments. 3. Identification of the main drivers of diversity on the GBR and greater understanding of how diversity changes in response to disturbances and threats. 4. Diversity-based indicators of reef and seafloor condition. 5. Assessment of the effects of the rezoning on diversity on GBR reefs and seafloor. This project is now complete.