Science and information: Using the best available scientific information to manage the Marine Park

Good management of the Great Barrier Reef relies on good knowledge and information. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) uses the best available research, scientific data and information to underpin the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This information is collected by a large number of experts, researchers and organisations, and covers hundreds of topics from the detailed biology and ecology of particular animals and plants, to the types of interactions and experiences people are having with the Reef, and the economic benefits the Reef brings to our community.

Find out about issues on the Great Barrier Reef

Information about key issues such as water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, protected species (for example, turtles and dugongs), fishing, climate change, coral bleaching and biodiversity.

Find out about places on the Great Barrier Reef

What research is happening in your area? Information about specific coral reefs, seagrass beds, seabed biodiversity and sea temperatures.

Plants, animals and habitats on the Great Barrier Reef

Information about plants, animals and habitats in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

For researchers

Information for scientists interested in conducting research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - Science and Research

The Research and Monitoring Coordination Unit links research and information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to decision-making processes and policy. This ensures that GBRMPA’s management is based on the best available scientific information. The GBRMPA also encourages researchers to work on projects that address information needed to manage the Marine Park.

The GBRMPA receives a large amount of information about the Great Barrier Reef. This information is brought together in the State of the Great Barrier Reef Report, an online document that describes the condition and trends of the animals, plants and habitats of the Great Barrier Reef and the way people interact with the reef ecosystem. Scientific information will also underpin the development of the first Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report.

Science and research are constantly revealing new information about the Great Barrier Reef. The GBRMPA works closely with a number of external scientists and research providers to deliver research that helps the role of managing the Marine Park. These research providers include:

• Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (managed by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)
• Australian Institute of Marine Science
• ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
• James Cook University
• Centre for Marine Studies, at the University of Queensland.

The GBRMPA is also committed to sharing the latest knowledge about the Great Barrier Reef with the community through the State of the Great Barrier Reef Report, SeaRead, the Eye on the Reef programme, and public discussions and forums. 

Find out more about Science and information at GBRMPA.