A variety of stakeholder groups regularly use and enter the Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), through a partnership approach with stakeholders, strives to ensure that all human uses of the Marine Park are ecologically sustainable by managing and mitigating potential environmental impacts.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture facilities located within and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have the potential to contain high concentrations of suspended solids and nutrients.  More information on aquaculture.

• Project example: proposed Palm Island sponge farm

Defence

In the management of Defence activities in the Marine Park, section 5.2(d) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan provides for use and entry. More information on Defence.

• Strategic Environmental Assessment
  

Dredging and material placement

Dredging and material placement have relatively well known potential impacts such as degradation of water quality and changes to hydrodynamics. More information on dredging and material placement.

• Project example: Hay Point (Mackay) dredging
  

Research  

The GBRMPA recognises the important role that research plays in contributing to our understanding of the Great Barrier Reef. More information on research.

 Ports and Shipping

1. Six port authorities administer ports adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. More information on ports.

2. Shipping is an international industry, managed mainly by international laws, conventions and codes. The GBRMPA undertakes a range of activities to manage the potential impacts of shipping activities including the compulsory use of local pilots for certain ships, restrictions on certain activities (for example, waste discharge, negligent shipping), wreck removal and penalties for causing environmental damage to the Marine Park.  More information on shipping.

• Project Example: Nelly Bay Harbour development

• Project Example: Keswick Island development

• Project Example: Remediation of Piper Reef after the grounding of the Doric Chariot
  

Artifical Reefs 

Artificial reefs are any structure people build or put in place on the seafloor, in the water column or floating on the sea surface. The purpose of these structures can be to create a new attraction for divers or concentrate or attract plants and animals for the purpose of fishing. Find out more about artifical reefs.

Commercial filming

The Great Barrier Reef and its adjacent areas have featured in a range of films. More information on filming.

• Project Examples: Fools Gold and Impossible Pictures
  

Pontoons and structures

Many structures will impact on the marine environment. Detrimental effects may occur during construction, operation and decommissioning. More information pontoons and structures.

• Project Example: Water pipeline from Pallarenda to Magnetic Island
• Project Example: Arlington Pearls Pty Ltd
• Pontoon review paper

Sewage

The GBRMPA has responsibility for regulating the discharge of treated sewage from marine outfalls and any land based facilities located on Commonwealth Islands in the Marine Park.  More information on Sewage.