Research activities involving access to biological resources are managed in a manner consistent with Australia’s international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) manages the environmental impacts of activities that provide access to biological resources. The GBRMPA is not involved in the negotiation of benefit sharing agreements.

This means, before removing resources from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, you should determine whether you require a permit from the GBRMPA to collect biological resources. If you have a permit, you should resolve any benefit sharing agreements with the Australian and/or Queensland Governments.

Permit requirements

Within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, activities that provide access to biological resources are managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 and associated research policy.

A flowchart assists you to determine if you need a permit to conduct research that involves access to biological resources in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

For further information about permit requirements within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, contact the research permits assessor on research@gbrmpa.gov.au. Research permits take a minimum of eight to 12 weeks to process.

For further information about permit requirements under the Queensland Biodiscovery Act 2004, contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Prior to accessing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to collect biological resources, you must have resolved with the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities and the Queensland Government Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation any requirements for a benefit sharing agreement.

Benefit sharing agreements

Depending on where you collect within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, benefit sharing agreements may be required with the Australian and/or Queensland Governments.

If you are accessing resources in Commonwealth waters or you are accessing resources on a Commonwealth Island, you must negotiate a benefit sharing agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

Contact the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities for more information.

Accessing resources from Queensland waters, a Queensland coast or a Queensland island requires you to obtain a Collection authority from and to negotiate a benefit sharing agreement with the Queensland Government.

Contact the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation Principal Policy Officer on +61 7 3228 8711 (International) or (07) 3228 8711 (within Australia).