Australia is Now a World Leader in Ocean Protection

Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, has expanded the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park, making Australia the world leader in ocean protection.

This announcement coincides with the commencement of the ‘Global Nature Positive Summit’, which kicks off today in Sydney and has faced significant backlash considering the Government’s poor record on extinctions.

Heard & McDonald Islands Marine Park

The Heard and McDonald Islands sit approximately 4,1000km southwest of Perth and are critical feeding grounds for many species, including whales, seals, and seabirds. These islands are home to Australia’s only active volcanoes and glaciers and are amongst the most remote places on earth. The islands are uninhabited, and it takes roughly two weeks to reach them via ship from Australia.

Macquarie Island is another sub-Antarctic Australian territory, which is also a marine park | Photo by Hannah Watts

Criticism From Environmental Groups

This 310,000km² expansion means that 52% of Australia’s oceans are now under protection. Whilst environmental groups broadly applaud the announcements, many have pointed out that the protections to these biodiverse, sub-Antarctic feeding groups must be more robust.

WWF Australia’s Head of Oceans, Richard Leck, said, ‘The plan fails to give the strongest protection to several key features, which provide critical habitat for Macaroni penguins, King penguins, Black-browed albatross, Antarctic fur seals, and whales’.

What is a marine park?

Despite 52% of Australia’s oceans now being under protection, their precious ecosystems are still under threat from harmful practices such as seismic blasting and mega-trawlers, for example the recently cancelled TGS/SLB seismic blasting project included Zeehan Marine Park areas.

In July 2023, Macquarie Island Marine Park was also expanded; however, as Bob Brown pointed out earlier today in Hobart, ‘the whole park’s reputation is ruined by Minister Plibersek giving the longline mega-trawlers, with thousands of fish hooks, licence to continue that plunder’.

In a statement from Minister Plibersek’s office, ‘This decision comes after extensive consultation with researchers, conservationists, and the fishing industry. The design supports the sustainable, well-established fishery in the region.’

Toothfish longlining will continue to be permitted in the Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park. Fishing can only be conducted in Australian waters by Australian vessels.

The March for Nature on October 5 | Photo by Jim McIlroy

Timing is Everything

The timing of this announcement coincides with the ‘Global Nature Positive Summit’, which kicks off today in Sydney. Last Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets in Sydney in a ‘March for Nature’ rally, co-sponsored by ACF, WWF-Australia, and Birdlife Australia, calling for stronger environmental laws in Australia.

Lewis Hobba (of Triple J fame) was the rally chair and said that the ‘only thing’ Australia is a world leader in is species extinction and forest destruction.

Feature image by @thetantrap