Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan has been unveiled. It marks the first time Australia has had an overarching plan for our ocean and ocean economy.
The plan will help all Australians work together for a healthy ocean that supports a strong and fair ocean economy.
Our ocean is central to our economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing. But it’s under pressure and the challenges are growing.
We have a strong foundation of sustainable ocean management. The plan will guide our collective action to build on this foundation and:
- improve coordination across jurisdictions, sectors and groups
- address increasing challenges faced by our ocean and coasts
- grow our $229-billion ocean economy sustainably
- strengthen how we prepare and respond to extreme marine events
- adapt to and mitigate climate change
- build resilience in marine ecosystems and coastal communities
- ensure more people have a voice in how our ocean is managed.
Achieving a shared vision
The plan follows extensive engagement with ocean managers, custodians, users, scientists and organisations across the country. Many common themes emerged from this engagement and helped identify:
- a shared vision for Australia’s ocean and ocean economy
- 8 focus areas for collective national action
- the outcomes we want to achieve.
We all have a role to play in achieving our shared vision for Australia’s ocean and ocean economy.
To help get things started, the Australian Government has committed to:
- leading several flagship actions in the first 18 months
- establishing the National Ocean Steering Committee and National Ocean Advisory Group to guide implementation of the plan.
The National Ocean Advisory Group will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders and expertise. We will soon be seeking expressions of interest for membership of the group.
Sustainably managing our whole ocean
Australia is committed to a future of sustainably managing 100% of our ocean. This commitment was made by the Prime Minister as Australia’s member on the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (the Ocean Panel).
The Sustainable Ocean Plan will help us deliver on this commitment by:
- building on the progress and contributions made by many groups, communities, businesses, organisations and governments
- steering our collective action at home
- bolstering our work with international partners to manage the challenges and opportunities of our shared global ocean.
