The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects a large part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef from damaging activities. Fishing and the removal of artefacts or wildlife (fish, coral, sea shells, etc.) is strictly regulated, and commercial shipping traffic must stick to certain specific defined shipping routes that avoid the most sensitive areas of the park. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest cluster of corals and other exotic marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) are the administrators of the park. They issue permits for various forms of use of the marine park, and monitor usage in the park to ensure compliance with park management. The GBRMPA is funded by Commonwealth Government Appropriations that include an environmental management charge levied on the permit-holders passengers. Currently this is A$5.50 per day per passenger (to a maximum of $16.50 per trip).
Read more about Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Geography, History, Islands
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