Environment & Climate
Marine scientists urge Australia to expand conservation zones near mainland coast
More than 270 researchers call for 30% protection across all marine bioregions as the federal government begins a decadal review.
The short version
- Over 270 marine scientists submitted a joint statement to Environment Minister Murray Watt calling for expanded protections in mainland coastal waters.
- Researchers argue that current highly protected zones are heavily skewed toward remote offshore areas, leaving mainland regions with low protection rates between 1% and 7%.
- The scientists are demanding bans on mining, industrial trawling, and longlining across all marine parks, alongside a 30% protection quota per individual bioregion.
- The Australian government contends it is on track to meet its broad 30% ocean protection goal by 2030 through park expansions around external territories.
Key facts
- More than 270 marine scientists representing 84 research institutions sent a statement to Australian Environment Minister Murray Watt as a statutory decadal marine park review commenced.[The Guardian]
- Currently, approximately one-quarter of Australia's ocean territory is designated as highly protected, but scientists report that several mainland coastal regions have only 1% to 7% coverage.[The Guardian]
- The scientific group requested that at least 30% of each separate marine bioregion receive high-level protection, alongside prohibitions on longlining, industrial trawling, and mining throughout all marine parks.[The Guardian]
- Environment Minister Murray Watt stated that proposed marine park expansions around Norfolk and Lord Howe islands would allow the federal government to reach its target of highly protecting 30% of Australian waters ahead of 2030.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the Australian government will alter zone boundaries or add commercial activity bans in mainland waters during the current statutory review remains unconfirmed.[The Guardian]