Australia Plans to Expand Size of Protected Marine Park, Tripling It to an Area Larger Than Germany

Australia has unveiled plans to significantly expand the size of a crucial marine park, a move that will triple its current dimensions and safeguard a region larger than Germany from fishing and mining activities. The Macquarie Island Marine Park, situated in the Southern Ocean between Tasmania and Antarctica, is set to grow to a vast expanse of 475,465 square kilometers (about 184,000 square miles). This expansion aims to provide comprehensive protection to the marine environment, with approximately 93% of the park designated as a fully protected marine sanctuary, closed off to fishing, mining, and other extractive activities.

The announcement was made by Australia’s Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, who emphasized the importance of preserving the unique ecological features of the Macquarie Island Marine Park. The remote region, encompassing the wind-swept World Heritage-listed Macquarie Island and its surrounding waters, is home to millions of vulnerable seabirds and endangered wildlife. The area serves as a vital breeding ground for various species, including nesting albatross, elephant and fur seals, whales, and several penguin species, including the exclusive royal penguin.

In a statement, Minister Plibersek expressed a commitment to conserving Australia’s special places, particularly those housing threatened species. “I want to protect our oceans for our kids and grandkids,” she said, underscoring the significance of the government’s mission in preserving these critical marine habitats.

The decision to expand the marine park follows a comprehensive planning process, with the initial proposal released in February. The government engaged in a two-month public consultation period, receiving over 14,700 submissions, 99% of which expressed support for the expansion. Despite overwhelming backing, one concession was made to permit existing fishery operations of the Patagonian toothfish to continue around the island.

Environmental groups welcomed the expansion, hailing it as a major victory for the region’s globally significant marine life. The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation, which provided expert input during the consultation process, described the outcome as “exceptionally important for the species of Macquarie Island.” The foundation emphasized the critical role of the protected waters surrounding the island in sustaining the diverse wildlife population and ensuring their protection for future generations.

Fiona Maxwell, national oceans manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts, commended the government for striking the right balance. She noted that by protecting Macquarie Island’s marine life, the government is accommodating the existing, well-managed, and sustainable commercial Patagonian toothfish fishery.

Macquarie Island attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997, and the marine park was established in 1999 to safeguard its unique biodiversity. Darren Kindleysides, chief executive of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, emphasized the vital role of marine sanctuaries in protecting wildlife, maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, and ensuring the sustainability of commercial fisheries.

He highlighted the challenges faced by the Southern Ocean, including rising temperatures and the tripled rate of ice loss. Industrial fisheries, in particular, pose threats to areas of high biodiversity and disrupt food chains, making strong sanctuary protection essential for building resilience against these challenges. Kindleysides stressed that robust sanctuary protection is crucial for safeguarding the unique Sub-Antarctic marine environment and future-proofing it against potential threats, such as seabed mining.