Our organisation

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible for managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so it's protected for the future.

During 2012-13, Australia is hosting the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), in partnership with the Government of Belize. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will be managing this hosting on behalf of the Australian Government.

Our work is guided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, Corporate Plan, Australian Government policies, Portfolio Budget Statement, Outlook Report and government priorities.

We use the best available scientific information to guide us, and engage with experts and the community. This includes four Reef Advisory Committees and 12 Local Marine Advisory Committees.

Out on the water, field management and enforcement of zoning rules is carried out with Queensland and Australian Government agencies on our behalf.  

We provide a number of other services to protect and manage the Reef ranging from issuing permits, providing advice on marine management, and operating our education centre Reef HQ Aquarium.

We report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Our Board oversees the agency, which is structured into four main Branches: Marine Park Management, Environment and Sustainability, Communication and Policy Coordination, and Corporate Services.

Our main office is in Townsville, and there are regional offices in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to keep a close connection with those communities.

A small office in Canberra provides ministerial and parliamentary liaison to the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities portfolio and other Australian Government agencies.

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  • Free Zoning Maps

    Zoning maps

    If you're heading out on the water, don't forget your free Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.

  • Whale of a time

    World heritage

    The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity. If you're lucky enough to see a humpback whale from May to September, make sure you keep a safe distance.

  • Important milestone

    Safe distance

    We're delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's World Heritage listing.

  • Visit the Reef

    Tourism experiences

    Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.

  • What you can do

    What you can do

    Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef. Find out what you can do to help protect this Great Australian icon.

  • Report marine strandings

    turtle swimming under water

    If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
    (1300 264 625)

  • Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

    Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef vulnerability assessment cover image

    A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Current Conditions

    Current Conditions logo promo image

    Current Conditions: Environmental and climatic forecasts for the Great Barrier Reef

  • Reef Guardians Improving the outlook

    Underwater image of yellow fish swiming around coral

    The Great Barrie Reef is facing some challenges. Many people, including Reef Guardians, are making a difference. View the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Grazier

    Grazier standing next to Ute with sheepdog on the back

    Reef Guardian graziers are helping to protect the Great Barrier reef through better farming practices.Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Banana Farmer

    Banana Famer riding four wheeler

    Reef Guardian farmers are undertaking on-farm practices that are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Cane Farmer

    Cane farmer, wife and daughter standing next to cane fields

    Reef Guardian farmers are forward-thinking producers who are doing their bit for the Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Fisher

    Fishing family and staff posing for photo on fishing boat

    Reef Guardian fishers are fishing sustainably for the health of the Reef and their fishery. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Marine Aquarium Collector

    Corral Collector standing next to a fishtank in the shop

    Coral Collectors hand pick corals from various locations to minimise impact and help The Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian Council

    Reef Guardian Council Burdekin staff planting vegitation

    Reef Guardian councils across the Great Barrier Reef catchment are demonstrating Reef protection and management. Watch the commercial.

  • Reef Guardian School

    Reef Guardian school group standing in the shade of some trees

    Reef Guardian schools across Queensland are taking positive action for the environment. Watch the commercial.

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