Chief Scientist talks Crown-of-thorns starfish

Few ecosystems on earth are as vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as coral reefs.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chief Scientist Dr Roger Beeden explains the future sustainability of the world’s most complex marine ecosystem also relies, in part, on household vinegar!

Reef health updates

As Australia’s lead management agency for the Reef, we monitor Reef conditions very closely throughout the year. From May to November each year, we issue regular Reef health reports.

Seasonal closure: Woody Island, Low Isles

Woody Island and Low Island form the Low Isles, located 15 km north-east of Port Douglas.

Woody Island and Low Island form the Low Isles, located 15 km north-east of Port Douglas. Visitors are advised that Woody Island is closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Corporate Plan

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority’s) Corporate Plan 2024–25 — the centrepiece of our annual corporate planning cycle — sets out our strategic direction.

What are Master Reef Guides?

Master Reef Guides are striving to be the world’s leading reef guides and interpreters sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Structure permits

Facilities (also known as structures) provide a range of different services to commercial operators, recreational users, members of the public, tourists, tourism operators, government agencies, res

Policy and Planning Roadmap

The Policy and Planning Strategic Roadmap has been developed to focus the Authority’s efforts to deliver a proactive, contemporary and risk-based approach to Marine Park policy, planning and regula

Other types of permits

New permissions to carry out works may require public comment with the assessment approach of Public Information Package, Public Environment Report or Environmental Impact Statement.

Know your zones

It's important to know what zone your in and what activities are allowed in each zone when your out on the water.