Direct take of protected species

There is a list of protected species for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003, you need the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) permission to intentionally take any of these species.

Protected species are:

The following activity matrix gives an indication of:

  1. The protected species and types of activities for which the GBRMPA anticipates receiving applications
  2. Whether the GBRMPA is likely to grant its permission
  3. The assessment guidelines used by the GBMRPA to make decisions on such applications.

Protected species activity matrix


 in situ activities¹,² Ñ#
(e.g. filming)		 Filming removal³ Public display for educ-
ation		 Tourism related (e.g. touch and tell, tank)* Research** Brood-
stock
collection for aquaculture
Helmet shells L
 L
 L
 L
 L
 U
Triton shells L
 L
 L
 L
 L
 U
Giant clam L
 L
 L
 Dead only (for shell display)
 L
 L
Seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons L
 L
 L
 U
 L
 L
Potato cod L
 U
 L
 U
 L
 U
Queensland grouper L
 U
 L
 U
 L
 U
Cods and groupers (Epinephelus) >100cm L
 U
 L
 U
 L
 U
Barramundi cod
 L
 U
 L
 U
 L
 L
Maori wrasse
 L
 U
 L
 U
 L
 U
Freshwater sawfish
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Whale shark
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Grey nurse shark
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Great white shark
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Sea snakes
 L
 L
 L
 U
 L
 U
Crocodiles
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Flatback turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Green turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Hawksbill turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Leatherback turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Loggerhead turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Olive ridley turtle
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Birds
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Seals
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Dugong
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U
Whales and dolphins
 L
 U
 U
 U
 L
 U

L = ‘Likely’ means the GBRMPA may grant a permission for the take of the protected species for the particular activity noted after assessment that is in accordance with the Regulations, this policy and the associated guidelines, and appropriate conditions to manage the activity are developed.

U = ‘Unlikely’ means the GBRMPA is unlikely to grant a permission for the take of the protected species, however exceptional circumstances may be considered.

¹ Permission only required if activity constitutes ‘take’ as defined in the Zoning Plan. 

² Research requires a permission for this activity regardless of whether take occurs

³ Temporary removal or holding, one-off events.

* Does not include fish feeding activities.

** Non-lethal research only, lethal research would require substantial justification.

The GBRMPA's approach is outlined in the Policy on managing activities that include the direct take of a protected species from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

If you want to take a protected species, conduct an activity that is not covered by the matrix or find out how to obtain a GBRMPA permit, including permit application forms, please contact the GBRMPA on 1800 990 177 or email permitenquiry@gbrmpa.gov.au.

Bookmark and Share

Have your say