Key principles for effective marine governance, including lessons learned after decades of adaptive management in the Great Barrier Reef

This paper reviews the concept of governance in protected areas, providing details about nine key principles as they relate to marine areas (MPAs). Following a theoretical description each principle, real-world examples are presented from Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Marine Park, where has evolved over 45 years part adaptive management. Examples good GBR include intergovernmental arrangements that enable both federal and state governments co-operate effectively across adjoining jurisdictions. In addition, application multiple layers management adds an effective integrated approach, considered be most appropriate for managing large MPA. The discussed applicable all MPAs, but how applied will vary dissimilar settings because differing environmental, social, economic, cultural, political contexts - clearly, one size does not fit all. analogy being interlaced or woven ‘lattice’ is also introduced. Collectively lattice stronger than any individual together contribute totality governance. provides information those involved MPA who keen understand it might apply their MPA, recognising there differences apply.