Local marine tourism operators will be better equipped to keep an eye on the Great Barrier Reef after completing comprehensive training in reef health monitoring.

Crew members from 19 tourism operations, took part in the training in Port Douglas as part of one of the largest monitoring programs of its kind in the world, the 'Eye on the Reef' monitoring program.

The aim of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMP) program is to gather a range of Reef eco-system information on as many locations on the Great Barrier Reef as possible.

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said "Many marine tourism operators visit dedicated areas of the Reef on a weekly, if not daily, basis and are highly experienced and attuned to the areas they visit."

"Marine Park tourism operators are best placed to monitor, in an ongoing capacity, indicators like water temperature and visibility, the appearance or absence of iconic marine species, and data related to reef health such as coral bleaching and disease."

"The data gathered by tourism operators involved in the 'Eye of the Reef' monitoring program provides mangers and scientists with a valuable, long-term picture of what is occurring on the Reef, which can be used in prioritising management decisions."

Dr Reichelt said tourism operators are among our best allies for monitoring the ecosystem health of the Great Barrier Reef.

"With an area as large as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (345 000 sq kms) the tourism industry plays an invaluable role in ensuring we have the most up-to-date observed data from the broadest range of locations possible".

"The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009 clearly states that the Reef is at a crossroads and under increasing pressure from threats such as climate change. Our world leading tourism industry is at the forefront of taking action and helping scientists and managers monitor and manage for ecosystem resilience".

"There are now 18 operators in the offshore Port Douglas and Cairns area participating in the program, monitoring 22 sites. Information provided by the participants is highly regarded by both Marine Park managers and scientists".

"Tourism crew members will head out on the water today to undertake training in scientific monitoring methods for indicators such as turbidity, water temperature, algae, coral diseases and bleaching as well as the health, numbers and spawning activity of iconic and protected species".