New marine sanctuaries for Australia’s south west

Our south west marine waters
Most of the marine life in Commonwealth waters off south west Australia is unique to the region. Extending from Kalbarri in WA to Kangaroo Island in SA (see below), this huge area of 1.3 million km2 currently has negligible protection - less than 1% in marine sanctuaries (‘no take’).

What’s happening Gov?
The Federal Government is considering the future of this globally significant region for the first time.  On the 19th May 2009 it released maps outlining the ‘areas of interest’ for the creation of new marine protected areas in this region. This is the first network of marine protected areas to be established by the Rudd Government – so it’s important to start on the right footing!

Map of area of interest released by DEWHA in May - Click image to enlarge

The marine planning process is being run by DEWHA (The Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts).  DEWHA is seeking further information about these ‘areas of interest’ from users of the areas until August.  In early 2010 DEWHA will release a report outlining the boundaries and zoning of the new marine parks.  Marine parks will be multiple-use but will include areas of marine sanctuaries where fishing and mining will be excluded but non-extractive uses such as whale watching or diving will continue.

More information is available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/index.html
or by contacting DEWHA at SW_marine_plan@environment.gov.au

What are we doing?
The Wilderness Society is part of the Save Our Marine Life (SOML) Collaboration including other local, national and global environment organisations. SOML is working with local communities and Government to ensure the unique marine life of this region is protected in a network of marine sanctuaries. 

Have a look at www.saveourmarinelife.org.au and get involved.

Further Reading

• Visit our Marine and Coastal special website >>