Protecting more ocean than any other country on earth
Cook AP
Author
Australia has become the first country to protect more than half its ocean territory, with 52% now under protection following the expansion of sub-Antarctic marine parks.
The historic declaration came after the Albanese Government quadrupled the size of the Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park, adding 310,000 square kilometres of protected ocean - an area larger than Italy. This expansion builds on the previous year's tripling of the Macquarie Island Marine Park, cementing Australia's position as a global leader in marine conservation.
The newly protected areas encompass some of Earth's most pristine wilderness. Located 4,000 kilometres southwest of Perth, the Heard and McDonald Islands region includes Australia's only active volcanoes, along with glaciers and wetlands that remain virtually untouched by human activity. The waters around these islands are home to significant populations of penguins, seals, and albatrosses, making their protection crucial for biodiversity conservation.
The decision represents a major achievement in global conservation efforts. While the international community aims for 30% ocean protection by 2030 under UN treaties, Australia has already far exceeded this target by reaching 52%. This achievement follows extensive consultation with researchers, conservationists, and the fishing industry, ensuring the new protections balance conservation needs with sustainable existing fisheries.
To support ongoing management of these vital marine parks, the government has funded a research voyage to Heard and McDonald Islands for the 2025-26 Antarctic season.
Key Achievements:
Largest marine protection expansion globally in 2024
310,000 km² of new protected ocean area
Protection for unique volcanic and glacial environments
Preservation of critical wildlife habitats
Support for sustainable existing fisheries
Research voyage funded for 2025-26 Antarctic season
[1] https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/australia-now-protects-more-ocean-any-other-country-earth#:~:text=The%20decision%20means%20that%20for,global%20leader%20in%20marine%20conservation.
[2] https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/australia-exceeds-un-target-ocean-protection
[3] https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/australia-now-protects-more-ocean-than-any-other-country-on-the-planet-110124
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/huge-environmental-win-australia-to-protect-52-of-its-oceans-more-than-any-other-country-plibersek-says