Many of the reasons for the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are economic. It is the perfect example of a commons resource that has been over-fished and over-polluted due to poor management practices and a profit-driven economic system. What many people don’t realize are the economic benefits that come from preserving the GBR. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the GBR generates approximately $5.4 billion annually through reef industries, such as tourism and fishing. Eco-tourism is a very important industry that generates a lot of capital if done right. Perhaps if community members and corporate businesses saw some of the benefits of ecotourism, they may be more inclined to protect the reef.