Australian Marine Parks help conserve marine habitats and the marine species that live within and rely on these habitats.
These marine parks also provide places for people to watch wildlife, dive, and go boating, snorkelling and fishing. Importantly, they create jobs in industries like fishing and tourism, and provide us with food and energy.
The Australian Government has established 60 Australian Marine Parks around the country. They cover 3.8 million square kilometres, or 43% of Australian waters, and are managed by Parks Australia.
Australian Marine Parks are the largest part of Australia’s National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas, which also includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, and marine parks managed by state and territory governments. This national system of marine parks covers nearly half of Australian waters and is one of the largest areas of marine parks in the world.
Latest marine parks news
Consultation opens on the draft South-east Marine Parks Network Management Plan
Friday 11 October 2024
The Director of National Parks is inviting comments on a Draft Management Plan for the South-east Marine Parks Network.
Better protection for Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Parks
Friday 9 August 2024
Globally significant Australian oceans almost the size of NSW will receive better protection through draft management plans released today.
Putting a face to the biodiversity assets in Australia’s southern Marine Parks
Tuesday 18 June 2024
Ever wondered what the weird and wonderful inhabitants of Australia’s Marine National Parks look like? Scientists are developing an easy access, high-quality catalogue of media-ready content to put a face to the unique and quirky organisms that call the deep reefs of Australia’s southern Marine Parks home.
Ghost Nets forum – sharing cultural knowledge
Monday 3 June 2024
From 30 April to 2 May, more than 50 Indigenous rangers across 20 ranger groups came together in Gulkula, Northern Territory to discuss the environmental and social impact of marine debris and ghost nets in Australia’s northern beaches, coastal waters and communities.
Where are Australian Marine Parks?
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How we manage marine parks
Watch the video to learn more about your marine parks.
Management plans set out how we manage our parks – protecting important marine habitats and species, while allowing people to use and enjoy these special places.
Find out more about how we will manage marine parks under these plans by clicking the links below.
Learn more about your marine parks
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