Australia launches sustainable ocean plan for marine management

The Australian Government has released a “sustainable ocean plan” establishing eight national priorities for managing marine waters and supporting ocean-based industries. The plan covers Australian waters up to 200 nautical miles offshore and aims to sustainably manage 100 per cent of these waters, including external territories.

Key focus areas include ocean industry growth, the protection and restoration of marine environments, and collaboration with First Nations peoples. The initiative was developed over two years with input from more than 800 people and organizations, including seafood businesses, researchers, and representatives from the defense, energy, tourism, and ports sectors.

Currently, marine protected areas cover 52 per cent of Australia’s ocean, with 24 per cent receiving a high level of protection. The government is working toward a target of protecting at least 30 per cent of these waters in highly protected areas by 2030. To support these goals, the government intends to establish a national ocean steering committee and a national ocean advisory group.