By Daisy Barham
Coral Sea Campaigner, Australian Marine Conservation Society


Our big blue backyard hosts the largest variety of marine life in the world. Whether it's the big majestic creatures that leave us in awe, the brilliant sandy beaches, or the little flashes of colour that dart through coral reefs, there can be no doubting that our marine environment is part of both Australia’s and Far North Queensland’s identity.

In 2011 North Queensland has the chance to protect a large area of the Coral Sea beginning past the edge of the continental shelf (over 110km from land). Its crystal clear depths are home to huge fish like tuna and marlin that dominate the ecosystem.

And a staggering 42% of the world’s critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable coral species are found in the area which makes it a well known conservation hot spot.

The proposed marine park in the Coral Sea covers an area east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park right out to the edge of our territorial waters.  Here, oceanic reefs rise from depths of over a 1000m to within metres of the surface.  Recently, some incredible deep sea reefs have also been discovered and little is known yet about these ecosystems.  This is a truly special part of our ocean. 

Less than 5% of Australia’s ocean is protected from the impacts of exploitation that has damaged many parts of our marine environment. During the last 50 years a truly staggering 90% of the world’s big ocean fish have disappeared due to overfishing.  Here in North Queensland we are fortunate to have such a large area, which we can protect, that has not yet shared this fate.

Large, highly protected marine parks are a best practice, scientifically proven way, to protect the best that our oceans have to offer. Hundreds of marine scientists from all over the world, including Australia, have endorsed their establishment, including in the Coral Sea.

This year is shaping up to be a big year for the Coral Sea with the Commonwealth Government deciding the fate of this and other important marine environments around the country.

Their choice is stark; the Coral Sea can be granted real protection, or it can remain with the 95% of our ocean that is open to exploitation.

The Government is due to release a draft plan for the future protection of the area and then conduct a three-month public consultation period prior to making a final decision later in the year. This is a rare opportunity, and one that our ocean wildlife cannot afford to miss.

A very large, world-class, highly protected marine park in the Coral Sea will help ensure that there are places in the ocean that we can experience wildlife in its natural form. And with its comparatively small amount of commercial and recreational fishing the Coral Sea presents an ideal area to protect with minimal impacts upon local communities. Among the commercial fishers operating in the Coral Sea, many of them do not oppose a marine park, provided they receive financial assistance.

The protection of the Coral Sea presents an unparalleled opportunity for the economy of north Queensland. Establishing the world’s largest marine park in the Coral Sea right next to the Great Barrier Reef can help revitalise tourism in North Queensland at a time when the region needs it most.

At a time in history when overfishing is changing the face of the ocean there can be no better ocean legacy than to protect our Coral Sea.


Please visit www.protectourcoralsea.org.au to add your voice to the call and help secure a great outcome for this iconic wilderness in 2011.