- Proposed island marine sanctuaries would be larger in area than France and would boost ocean health and tourism
- Public consultation opens on federal marine parks around Australia, including in the Coral Sea, Temperate East, Great Australian Bight, Kimberley, Gulf of Carpentaria
Conservation groups today welcomed the Australian Government’s plan to massively expand marine sanctuary protection around Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, as part of a national review of ocean protections.
The Save Our Marine Life alliance of 27 conservation organisations says similarly bold action is needed right across Australia’s federal waters to secure a healthy future for nature and people.
“The proposed expansion of marine sanctuaries around Lord Howe and Norfolk islands would provide high-level protection for another 670,000 square kilometres of ocean – that’s an area larger than France,” said Fiona Maxwell, Oceans Manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts. “This represents a huge step forward in protecting Australia’s extraordinary marine life.
“We are pleased the government is listening to the island communities and plans to expand their sanctuaries while also supporting their cultural heritage, tourism industry and local fishing lifestyle and livelihoods.”
Australian Marine Conservation Society CEO Paul Gamblin said: “Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island are iconic tourist destinations for divers, fishers and birdwatchers, thanks largely to their spectacular marine environments.”
“The government’s plan to safeguard these underwater wonderlands is a win for healthy oceans and the communities and businesses that depend on them. We hope the government’s ambition there will be replicated across our federal waters.”
Australia’s Environment Minister, Senator Murray Watt, today opened public consultation on the review, which will examine protections in federal marine parks around the country, including in the Coral Sea, Temperate East, Great Australian Bight, Kimberley and Gulf of Carpentaria regions.
Pew’s Fiona Maxwell said: “Across our federal marine park network, many habitats critical for ocean health and threatened marine life are severely under-protected. This once-in-a-decade review is a critical opportunity to change that.
“Science shows us that marine sanctuaries lead to healthier and more resilient ecosystems, with more and bigger fish, which help to replenish surrounding seas. Getting enough sanctuary protection in the right places, while minimising the impact to sustainable fishing, will be key.
“Sanctuaries should also reflect the aspirations of Traditional Owners and recognise their rights, responsibilities and cultural connections to Sea Country.”
AMCS’s Paul Gamblin said: “Our oceans are in more danger than ever – from climate change, pollution, overfishing and industry. Yet we still allow destructive industrial activities like seismic blasting in Australia’s federal marine parks.
“This review will shape the future of our oceans. We are encouraging all Australians to have their say before this consultation period closes at the end of September.”
Save Our Marine Life is encouraging Australians to support:
- Expanded marine sanctuaries around Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island;
- Increased sanctuary protection in offshore waters around mainland Australia, including the Coral Sea and Temperate East; and
- Removal of destructive industrial activities such as bottom trawling and seismic blasting from Australian Marine Parks.
Media explainer Australian Marine Parks network review
