What agency manages Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority manages Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Usually abbreviated to GBRMPA, the authority is an Australian Commonwealth statutory agency created by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. Its responsibilities include marine park zoning, permitting, monitoring, compliance, public information, and working with Traditional Owners and other partners.

GBRMPA is not the same organization as Queensland’s parks agency. The reef spans Commonwealth marine waters, while Queensland agencies manage many nearby coastal and island areas. Effective conservation therefore involves cooperation between federal and state authorities, local communities, scientists, tourism operators, and Traditional Owners.

The authority manages the marine park, but it does not own every reef or control every activity in the entire Coral Sea. Its jurisdiction is defined by the boundaries and legislation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.