Introduction
Australia has taken a bold and historic step in marine conservation by establishing 11 new offshore marine sanctuary areas in its South-east marine region. This formidable initiative, adding 80,000km² of new marine sanctuary protections, elevates Australia to the forefront of global ocean stewardship. By creating and expanding these sanctuaries, Australia now safeguards 52% of its national marine waters—far surpassing the global 30% protection goal set for 2030.
Why New Sanctuary Zones Matter
For decades, Australia has been recognized for its efforts in environmental protection, especially concerning its globally renowned coral reefs and marine ecosystems. However, accelerating threats—from industrial fishing to oil exploration and climate-driven habitat decline—demanded a new era of proactive and comprehensive marine management. The newly established offshore sanctuary zones reflect a determination to future-proof the country’s prized oceanic territory for both current and generations yet to come.
Details of the 11 New Offshore Marine Sanctuary Areas
The 2025 South-east Marine Park Network expansion marks a significant increase in the total area of marine sanctuaries. These zones span deep sea canyons, seamounts, continental shelf habitats, rare kelp forests, and rich feeding grounds for iconic marine life. A centerpiece of the rollout is the expansion of the Macquarie Island Marine Park, which was tripled in size in 2023 and is now fully integrated into the network.
Key features of the new sanctuaries:
- Total area protected: 80,000km²—larger than Tasmania.
- 11 new “sanctuary zones”—areas with strict “no-take” rules, banning extractive industries and damaging activities.
- Protection of rare and vulnerable habitats: Continental shelf environments, underwater canyons, seamount ecosystems, kelp forests.
- Iconic locations: The sanctuaries dot the remote offshore South-east region, supporting some of Australia’s least disturbed marine corridors.
Ecological Importance: Safeguarding Marine Biodiversity
Australia’s expanded marine parks provide sanctuaries for a remarkable diversity of ocean life. These ecosystems are home to species found nowhere else on earth and critical for the health of the planet’s oceans.
Some highlights:
- Little penguins: Protected nesting and foraging sites for the world’s smallest penguin species.
- Pygmy blue whales: Key migration and feeding routes shielded from disturbance.
- Albatrosses and seabirds: Conservation of globally significant breeding islands and feeding areas.
- Ancient black corals, Port Jackson sharks, deep-sea fish: Safeguarded from bottom trawling and industrial exploitation.
- Golden kelp forests: Among the most productive and carbon-absorbing ecosystems on the planet, now preserved for their biodiversity and role in climate resilience.
What’s Banned? Stronger Protections—But With Nuance
The new sanctuary zones enforce robust prohibitions:
- No new oil and gas exploration or exploitation permitted anywhere in these sanctuaries.
- Ban on carbon capture and storage (CCS) dumping and seismic blasting, activities linked to intense marine ecosystem disturbance.
- Strict no-take rules for commercial and recreational fishing in core sanctuary areas.
- Exceptions: Approximately 11,000km² of the Flinders Marine Park are open for commercial tuna longlining, a decision that has raised concerns among conservationists regarding compatibility with the overall intent of the sanctuary system.
Policymaking and Stakeholder Engagement
The establishment of these sanctuaries followed an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process. More than 32,000 public submissions were received, overwhelmingly supporting the expansion and strengthening of marine protections. The government’s final South-east Marine Park Network Management Plan, tabled in early 2025, reflects this broad community mandate.
Australia now leads the world with 52% of its marine waters protected, a figure that sets a new global benchmark and more than fulfills the country’s commitments under international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
National and International Reactions
The historic sanctuary expansion has drawn widespread praise from marine scientists, conservationists, and global ocean policy leaders. It’s recognized as a vital countermeasure to the rapid decline of ocean health and biodiversity.
Conservationist response:
Organizations hailed the scale and ambition of the protections, especially the bans on new oil, gas, and harmful industrial activities. However, they urge the government to:
- Ensure the “no new extraction” rules are fully enforced, including robust monitoring and compliance.
- Address concerns regarding the partial opening of Flinders Marine Park to tuna longlining, advocating for all sanctuaries to remain truly “no-take”.
Industry context:
While the expansion closes off new fossil fuel and mineral exploitation opportunities, the fishing industry’s involvement was reflected in the compromise over tuna longlining access. Ongoing dialogue is expected as the management plans are implemented.
Australia Sets the Pace for Global Marine Conservation
Australia’s move is being closely watched by other nations aiming to meet or exceed the “30 by 30” target for marine protection. The sheer size and ecological diversity of the new sanctuary zones underscore Australia’s responsibility and leadership role in marine conservation.
Key points:
- The new sanctuaries form ecological refuges buffering iconic and at-risk marine species from climate, industrial, and overfishing threats.
- They advance ocean stewardship on a global scale, inspiring increased ambition in other maritime nations.
The Road Ahead: Vigilance and Continuous Protection
While these new protections represent substantial progress, the work is far from over. Marine environments are dynamic and constantly under stress from warming seas, pollution, and human encroachment. Maintaining and enhancing these sanctuaries—backed by scientific research and strong enforcement—is crucial.
Ongoing priorities:
- Vigilant monitoring for compliance and ecosystem health.
- Adaptive management to respond to new threats.
- Public engagement to sustain political and community support for marine protection.
Call to Action: Support Ocean Conservation
Australia’s new marine sanctuary network is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, science, and public action come together. Protecting our oceans preserves not only unique wildlife and habitats but bolsters ecosystem resilience to climate change and secures the livelihoods of countless communities.
What can you do?
- Stay informed about marine conservation issues and policies.
- Support organizations working to protect the ocean.
- Advocate for science-based marine protection policies both nationally and globally.
- Choose sustainable seafood and reduce single-use plastics in your everyday life.
By raising your voice and making ocean-friendly choices, you can help ensure these new sanctuary zones become lasting havens for our planet’s precious marine life.
Australia’s 11 new offshore marine sanctuary areas are more than protected zones on a map—they represent hope and determination for the future of Earth’s oceans. Let’s seize this moment to champion marine protection Australia, celebrate our global leadership, and work together for a healthier blue planet.