Diving in with a bag full of fish puts others at risk and, if attacks become more frequent, could set back seriously the protection of sharks. Role model of Oz by Jason Gibb The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most desirable diving destinations, is now a role model. With its Marine Park Authority running the International Coral Reef Initiative, Australia has become the guardian of the world's reefs. It also boasts a vast number of protected wrecks. Marine life is protected by zoning the reef to separate conflicting activities.
Development continues at a blistering pace.
Tourism, the biggest industry in the region, is growing at 18 per cent a year. Diving is the fastest-growing activity, but divers are taught to respect the reefs. Few trips go out these days without there being a marine biologist among the crew. When I first came here from America a few years ago this wasn't the case. Financial incentives help too, he stresses.