The South-east Marine Parks Network Management Plan 2025 establishes the legally binding management framework for 14 Australian marine parks covering 701,927 km² from southern New South Wales to South Australia, around Tasmania and Macquarie Island. Made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, it applies from 2025 to 2035 and seeks to protect biodiversity and natural and cultural values while permitting ecologically sustainable use. The Plan revises zoning to strengthen protection of reefs, canyons, seamounts and other habitats, while retaining specified opportunities for fishing, tourism, recreation and research. It regulates access, anchoring, waste disposal, commercial fishing and aquaculture, tourism, mining, offshore wind energy, carbon dioxide storage, space activities, structures and scientific monitoring. Offshore wind infrastructure, intensive aquaculture, seabed mining and geological carbon dioxide storage are prohibited throughout the Network. Commercial and recreational fishing are restricted according to zone, with demersal trawling, Danish seining, pelagic nets and scallop dredging prohibited across all zones. Implementation is organised through programmes concerning First Nations connections and partnerships, protection and resilience, science and management effectiveness, and communication and engagement. The Plan commits to co-designing a Sea Country Strategy, identifying First Nations values with Traditional Owners, respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, and supporting participation in park governance. Activities may be authorised through permits, class approvals, licences or leases following assessment of environmental risks, benefits and consistency with park objectives.
Australia · 2025-01-01