The capacity to deal with major oil spills, ship groundings or sunken vessels is often within national plans, rather than an MPA management plan. However, MPA management, as part of an effective response, should work closely with other relevant government agencies by providing logistical and organisational support, and providing valuable local knowledge regarding local infrastructure and personnel, and details of natural resources and their vulnerability. For example, in the case of an oil spill in the Great Barrier Reef, Maritime Safely Queensland will lead the response with the cooperation of GBRMPA and other agencies. MPA management in this case provides important local information and can coordinate follow-up monitoring [7].

Further, within a national or regional plan to respond to major incidents, or within an MPA plan, the specific responsibilities of and coordination between MPA management and other agencies should be explicitly stated to allow the most effective, timely response. The plan should allow for rapid permitting procedures within the park to allow a fast and appropriate response to the incident, including for the rescue and treatment of affected marine mammals.