All tourism operators using the Reef require a permit. Codes of practices, training and education are becoming increasingly important for management purposes. The strict management practises for the Reef prohibit the dumping of effluent and waste products. Tourist pontoons in the Great Barrier Reef are fully self-contained and permanently anchored which means they are not causing anchor damage. Visitors can assist in managing human impacts on the Reef by avoiding direct contact with coral.
Guides often accompany visitors to encourage appropriate behaviour.
There are 14 known environmental attributes to the Reef. According to the Status of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area 1998 report, there are no major widespread declines in relation to these attributes. However, all environmental attributes vary naturally over time. Long term monitoring is in progress and the second edition of this report, to be published in 2003, will provide a more definite indication of human impact on the reef. The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is the largest in the world and one of the few World Heritage Areas which meets all four natural World Heritage criteria.