Ian Walker

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

The Great Barrier Reef is recognised as one of the world's best-managed coral reef ecosystems. It is our great privilege and responsibility to protect and manage this unique and special place. We are Australia's lead management agency for the Great Barrier Reef and provide world-leading marine park management since 1975. We are a strong, efficient and agile natural resource regulator entrusted by Australia with the responsibility of managing the natural wonder that is the Marine Park. We use the best available scientific information and input from marine managers, researchers, experts, and Traditional Owners. Our work managing the Reef is guided by a range of plans, policies, regulations and legislation. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 sets out our functions and responsibilities. We directly manage activities that take place in the marine park, implement plans and policies for reef use and protection, and work with communities and industries that depend on a healthy Reef for recreation and their livelihoods. The Great Barrier Reef is big, beautiful and diverse. Internationally renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and beauty — and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area — it's one of Australia's most treasured national wonders. Covering some 344,000 square kilometres, this vast area contains a rich mosaic of plants, animals, habitats and heritage values and is one the world's most unique and biologically diverse ecosystems.