On 28 March 2025 the government assumed a Caretaker role. Information on this website will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until the federal election outcome is finalised.
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BlogCompliance and zoning
The origin of zoning with Josh Thomas
July 2024 will mark 20 years since the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 was legislated and became enforceable creating the largest protected sea area anywhere in the world at the tim
Climate change
Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide. Climate change is caused by global emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from burning
Reef protection through world-leading management
The Australian Government’s $1.2 billion Reef protection package includes a $253 million investment in
Reef guardians
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Reef Guardian program recognises the good environmental work undertaken by communities and industries to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Declining water quality
Land-based run-off remains the greatest contributor to poor water quality in the inshore areas of the Great Barrier Reef and is a major contributor to the current poor state of many inshore marine
Interpreting zones
It is important that you are aware of the zone you are in while you are out on the water, so take time to check where you are going and what you can do there.
Cairns/Cooktown site specific management
As the Cairns/Cooktown section of the Marine Park attracts a large number of visitors and a variety of uses, there are a number of management layers to protect the region. 
Cairns Area Plan of Management
There are beautiful coral cays, islands and spectacular outer edge reefs offshore from Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown.
Shoalwater Bay Plan of Management
Shoalwater Bay is an important seagrass habitat within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is home to the largest dugong population in the Reef’s southern region.