Field Management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef was internationally recognised for its outstanding universal value with a world heritage listing in 1981. It’s the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and includes around 2900 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays and about 150 inshore mangrove islands.
Building the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef is central to the long-term future of this great natural wonder. Given the Reef’s size and complexity, we need to ensure environmental protection while allowing people to benefit through its sustainable use.
Through the Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement, the Australian and Queensland governments have been working together for the long-term management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Keeping the Reef healthy requires a collaborative effort. Reef protection and management is a partnership between many government agencies, Traditional Owners, stakeholders and community members, with activities both on the water and in the catchment.
Out on the water, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, operate a joint field management program for the marine and island national parks, encompassing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park.
The field team delivers practical on-ground actions to protect and maintain well-functioning marine and island ecosystems that support economic, traditional and recreational uses of the Great Barrier Reef. Their work involves:
- conservation and monitoring
- incident response
- welcoming visitors
- upholding compliance.
Annual report summary documents
Find out more about the joint Field Management Program’s activities achievements by downloading the annual report summary.
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Free zoning app
If you're heading out on the water, download and use the free zoning app so you know where you can go and what you can do.
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Important milestone
We're delighted to celebrate the 40 years of the managing the Great Barrier Reef.
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Visit the Reef
Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing animals, plants, and habitats.
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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.
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Report marine strandings
If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
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Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.
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Current Conditions
Current Conditions: Environmental and climatic forecasts for the Great Barrier Reef
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Reef Guardians Improving the outlook
The Great Barrier Reef is under pressure. Many people, including Reef Guardians, are making a difference.
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Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2007-2012
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Big, beautiful diverse
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Keep an eye on the Reef
Become a marine scientist for a day Download our free app to share your sightings.
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Outlook for the Reef
Published every five years, our Outlook Report provides an overview of Reef health and management.
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Reef 2050
Learn more about how the Australian and Queensland are managing the Reef through Reef 2050.