World and national heritage values All elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value are essentially intact, and their overall condition is stable or improving. Available evidence indicates only minor, if any, disturbance to this element of outstanding universal value. Some loss or alteration of the elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value has occurred, but their overall condition is not causing persistent or substantial effects on this element of outstanding universal value. Loss or alteration of the elements necessary to maintain outstanding universal value has occurred, which is leading to a significant reduction in this element of the outstanding universal value. Loss or alteration of most elements necessary to maintain the outstanding universal value has occurred, causing a major loss of the outstanding universal value. Economic and social benefits of use Use of the Region provides significant economic and social benefit, in ways that sustain the fundamental value of the natural resource. The Region is strongly recognised, valued and enjoyed by catchment residents, the nation and the world community. Use of the Region provides valuable economic and social benefit. The Region is valued by catchment residents, the nation and the world community. There are few and declining economic and social benefits derived from the use of the Region. Many do not recognise the value of the Region and do not enjoy their visit to the Region. Use of the Region contributes little or no economic and social benefit. The Region holds little value for catchment residents, the nation or the world community. A3.2 – Key Great Barrier Reef values and attributes The following table outlines key values and attributes for the Great Barrier Reef. These values and attributes underpin Reef-related Matters of National Environmental Significance. For the World Heritage Area, values are based the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value. World heritage properties Listed migratory and threatened species Key values and attributes Criterion i (now viii) Criterion ii (now ix) Criterion iii (now vii) Criterion iv (now x) Integrity Great Barrier Reef Marine Park National heritage places Commonwealth marine Marine turtles Estuarine crocodiles Whales Dolphins Dugongs Sharks and rays Seabirds Shorebirds Wetlands of international importance Biodiversity — Great Barrier Reef habitats Islands Beaches and coastlines Mangrove forests Seagrass meadows Coral reefs (<30 m) Deeper reefs (>30 m) Lagoon floor Shoals Halimeda banks Continental Open waters Biodiversity — terrestrial habitats that support the Great Barrier Reef Saltmarshes Freshwater wetlands Forested floodplain
Key environmental processes Criterion i (now viii) Criterion ii (now ix) Criterion iii (now vii) Criterion iv (now x) Integrity Great Barrier Reef Marine Park National heritage places Commonwealth marine areas Marine turtles Estuarine crocodiles Whales Dolphins Dugongs Sharks and rays Seabirds Shorebirds Wetlands of international importance Waves, currents and tides Cyclones Wind Sedimentation Sea level Sea temperature Light Nutrient cycling Ocean acidity Freshwater inflow and salinity Microbial processes Particle feeding Primary production Herbivory Predation Symbiosis Competition Connectivity Recruitment Reef building