Commonwealth Marine Parks

Australia’s Commonwealth Marine Parks Network made history as the world’s largest network of marine parks and sanctuaries. This protects some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet.

Like our national parks on land, Australia’s marine sanctuaries provide protection and sanctuary for wildlife and habitats, for us all to enjoy for generations to come.

This network was the result of decades of science, years of consultation and work on all sides of politics. When the final network was released in 2012, it was supported by 70% of Australians, making it one of the most popular decisions of our time.

 

We Must Save Our Sanctuaries

But the fight is far from over. Previous governments have made massive cutbacks to our marine sanctuaries, stripping back protections leaving icons like the Coral Sea, the Kimberley, Lord Howe Island and Geographe Bay exposed to destructive commercial fishing and oil and gas activities – threatening some of our most special places.

These changes ignored decades of science, the advice of the Government’s own independent review, the wishes of local communities, and the voice of hundreds of thousands of Australians who have called on our government to reinstate our vital marine sanctuary protections.

Our oceans, and the wondrous and vulnerable wildlife that call them home, are in more danger than ever – from climate change, pollution, overfishing and industry. We must continue to be a voice for our marine life and local communities and reject any cutbacks to protections.

Explore Our Commonwealth Marine Parks

Coral Sea Marine Reserve

The Coral Sea is one of the healthiest tropical marine ecosystems left in our global oceans.

North Marine Region

The north marine region includes some of the world's most intact tropical ocean ecosystems.

North-West Marine Region

The north-west is refuge for the largest population of humpback whales on the planet!

South-West Marine Region

Our south-west marine parks contain critical habitats for threatened and endangered species.

South-East Marine Region

Our south-east marine parks have the high number of species found nowhere else on Earth.

Temperate East Marine Region

The cool waters of the temperate east marine region are characterised by remarkable beauty.