The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) relies on the best available scientific information to inform management decisions and has a long-standing history of working collaboratively with researchers to collect this information.

The GBRMPA has published 'Scientific Information needs for the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2009-2014' The purpose of this document is to facilitate discussion between scientists and Marine Park managers about research and monitoring that will help inform Marine Park management, especially high priorities. It is a framework for integrating science into management of the Marine Park.

Research grants and funding

• The GBRMPA provides opportunities for Masters and PhD students to apply for annual Science for Management Awards. The awards are in the order of $1000 to $4000 per year, provided for the calendar year (01 January to 31 December). Successful applicants may apply for additional funding in subsequent years.
• The GBRMPA may also fund individual research projects through programs such as the ARC Linkage grant scheme. Researchers with research proposals are urged to contact the Research and Monitoring Coordination unit in the early stages of the proposal development to discuss the project and funding availability.  
• The GBRMPA may also directly contract researchers for specific projects by advertising for tenders or expressions of interest on the GBRMPA website, newspapers, and e-mail lists maintained by universities, research institutions or professional scientific societies (for example, the Australian Coral Reef Society).

Timing

• Applications for the Science for Management Awards must be received by the end of January each year. Successful applicants will receive funding in that calendar year upon formal acceptance of the terms and conditions of the award.  
• For all other research proposals, the GBRMPA operates on an annual budget cycle that corresponds with the financial year (beginning 01 July and ending 30 June). Researchers should contact the Research and Monitoring Coordination Unit in November to discuss proposals for the following financial year (for example, funding starting 01 July the following year).
• Timing may be determined by other funding deadlines. For example, researchers wishing to enter into an ARC Linkage project with the GBRMPA should contact the Research and Monitoring Coordination Unit at least two months before the application deadline to discuss the project and arrange for letters of support from industry partners.   
  

Research permits

Scientists carrying out research in the Marine Park may require a research permit from the GBRMPA Environmental Impact Management Unit. Research permits usually take approximately eight weeks to process. More information about research permits and the assessment process is available under permits.

Contacts

The Research and Monitoring Coordination Unit manages the GBRMPA's research program. Enquiries related to research projects and proposals should be forwarded to info@gbrmpa.gov.au marked attention R&MC Manager or alternatively call (07) 4750 0700.

For information about permits contact the permit section on either research.permits@gbrmpa.gov.au or (07) 4750 0700.