Scientists urge Australia to shift marine park protections to coastal waters

A coalition of more than 270 marine scientists from 84 research institutions has sent a letter to Environment Minister Murray Watt, pressing for a redesign of Australia’s marine-park network during a once-in-a-decade review. They note that roughly a quarter of Australian waters are highly protected, but these areas are concentrated in remote offshore zones, offering little safeguard for coastal ecosystems. The signatories propose that every marine bioregion achieve at least 30% highly protected status, with bans on industrial trawling, long-lining and seabed mining across all parks.

Experts such as Jessica Meeuwig and David Booth emphasized the irreplaceable species and high biodiversity found in coastal regions like the temperate east, which is experiencing rapid climate-driven changes. Minister Watt responded that the government is progressing toward the 30% by 2030 goal, pointing to planned park expansions around Lord Howe and Norfolk islands as evidence. The scientists warned that maintaining the current protection pattern could undermine both marine life and related industries such as fisheries and tourism.