Science informed the establishment of Australian Marine Parks, and science remains the key to successfully understanding and managing them.

We welcome research in our Australian Marine Parks that improves our understanding of values (particularly natural values) of the parks. Natural values include:

• marine ecosystems
• biological communities
• habitats
• plants and animals
• ecological processes.

There is much scope to expand our knowledge of our parks given the area they encompass (over one third of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone).

Excitingly, most research voyages to the deeper, less visited waters of Australian Marine Parks result in new species being discovered.

Where am I allowed to conduct research?

Research is allowed in all zones within marine parks.

Do I need an approval?

Yes.

Researchers must apply for a permit to conduct research within Australian Marine Parks. No fees are required for a research permit.

If the research is commercial in nature, a licence is required. A use fee may be charged.

It will be a condition of all research permits that the results of research must be made available to the Director of National Parks.

Research must also comply with other Australian Government, state and territory regulations.

For further information about the zones and rules, look at the factsheets on each regional network.

Apply for a permit