The program comprised six elements (Fien et al. 1999):

• The development of a nationwide representative system of marine protected areas;

• A state of the marine environment report (SOMER);

• A national marine education program;

• The development of a national marine conservation strategy;

• The marine and coastal community network; and

• The national marine information system.

Implementation of the program was a joint arrangement between the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (ANCA, now Environment Australia, EA), the Department of Environment, Sport and Territories (DEST) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), in collaboration with State and Northern Territory agencies.