Coral Sea
Beyond the Great Barrier Reef lies the Coral Sea Marine Park.
The Coral Sea is one of the healthiest tropical marine ecosystems left in our ocean. It is a vital support system for much of the marine life which makes our World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef so special.
Its underwater landscapes are highly varied. Dramatic undersea mountains, canyons, vibrant coral reefs and tiny islands are teeming with an extraordinary array of wildlife.
Nearly 50 habitats support over 300 threatened species.
Twenty eight species of whales and dolphins, and 27 seabird species call the Coral Sea home.
Many species use the scattered reefs, cays and underwater mountains as habitats for feeding, resting, breeding and as a nursery ground.
A stunning array of colours. As the name suggests, the Coral Sea contains abundant hard and soft corals, and large sea fans.
You make change possible.
Together, we have made strides in increasing marine sanctuary protection for vulnerable species. Thousands of submissions have achieved so much…
🐬In 2022, one of the largest protected areas in the world was established in offshore Commonwealth waters around the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park. This marine park covers an area larger than VIC, TAS and ACT combined.
🦭In 2023, the marine sanctuary around Australia’s subantarctic Macquarie Island was expanded by more than 300,000km2.
🐧In 2025, the marine sanctuary around the World Heritage-listed Heard and McDonald Islands’ quadrupled in size.
But, shockingly, more than half of our offshore Australian Marine Parks are still open to industrial activities like bottom trawling, drilling for fossil fuels, and seismic blasting.
Strong Marine Parks
Much of the Coral Sea Marine Park is vulnerable and under protected. The Australian government is currently reviewing the national network of marine parks in our offshore waters. This is a once in a decade opportunity to better protect our marine life.
Visit protectourocean.org.au to protect our whales, dolphins, turtles and so much more.