The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is the principal adviser to the Australian Government on the control, care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The GBRMPA is responsible for the management of the Marine Park and undertakes a variety of activities including:

• Developing and implementing zoning and management plans
• Environmental impact assessment and permitting of use
• Research, monitoring and interpreting data
• Providing information, educational services and marine environmental management advice.

The Authority has offices located in Townsville (main office), Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to enhance community engagement in the areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In addition a small office in Canberra provides Ministerial and Parliamentary Liaison to the environment, water, heritage and the arts portfolio and other Australian Government agencies.

Field operations are conducted in cooperation with Queensland agencies and other Australian Government agencies on behalf of the GBRMPA.

Moorings management

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority manages moorings throughout the Marine Park.

Private moorings are managed through permits, whereas public moorings are managed directly by the Managing Agencies (GBRMPA and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency).

Public moorings are available for use to all vessel operators.

The GBRMPA maintains a Moorings Register listing details of private (permitted) moorings, including the Mooring Reference Number displayed on their buoys.

The GBRMPA encourages Marine Park vessel operators to use moorings wherever possible, as they are an important step in minimising anchor damage and providing for ecologically sustainable use. A set of responsible reef practices for using moorings has been developed and can be viewed on www.gbrmpa.gov.au/onboard/home/high_standards/responsible_reef_practices/moorings.

Detailed information about moorings in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is available on www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/tourism/management/moorings.