The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is jointly managed by the Australian and Queensland Governments to ensure this natural wonder is protected for the future.

As set out in the Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement, the responsibility rests with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Department of Environment and Management (DERM) through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

This Intergovernmental Agreement outlines the obligations of both Governments to protect and manage the Reef ecosystem through a joint Field Management Program.

The Field Management Program undertakes operations and routine day-to-day activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the adjacent Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and island national parks.

There are approximately 100 QPWS officers and 23 GBRMPA staff employed under the Field Management Program working out of 14 centres between Cooktown and Gladstone.

Together, they manage the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area through four priority programs:

1. Compliance management

2. Vulnerable species management and climate change 

3. Facilities management, natural and cultural resource protection

4. Indigenous engagement