The Marine Bioregional Planning Program has been underway since 2006 in Australia’s South-west marine region, extending from offshore Shark Bay, WA and stretching to Kangaroo Island, SA.

One significant objective of the national Program, which is run by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), is the establishment of a representative network of marine reserves in each of the large marine regions. Providing protection to our biologically diverse ecosystems and marine communities, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are insurance for the future. 

MPAs that are established through the Program will be located in Commonwealth waters, that is, further than 3 nautical miles off the coastline.  Waters within 3 nm are under the jurisdiction of the State and the development and management of marine parks in these coastal waters is a responsibility of the Western Australian Government.

Initial consultation with key organisations with an interest in the marine environment, such as the Boating Industry Association, is taking place now. The consultation aims at better understanding current activities, interests and values, so that new MPAs will have minimum impacts on current marine users. The consultation is focused on seven Areas for Further Assessment [Fig 1.]: the Abrolhos, Jurien, Perth Canyon, South-west Corner; Recherche; Great Australian Bight (extension to the existing Marine Park and Western Eyre.) These areas are NOT candidate MPAs but rather they are areas within which new MPAs will be designed. The new MPAs will include different zoning, ranging from multiple-use to sanctuary zones. Those activities that pose no risk to the conservation values under protection will be allowed in a range of zones. 

The Commonwealth Government recognises the significance of the Western Australian Boating Industry, which provides recreational and light commercial products and services to a number of marine users.

Representatives of the Boating Industry Association have taken part in information sessions held by DEWHA and have since met with DEWHA to discuss the interests and values of the industry.

DEWHA will finalise the Draft Plan late this year. Once the Draft Plan is released for comments, stakeholders and the public will have ample opportunities to provide feedback and participate in the finalisation of the regional network of MPAs. 

For a more detailed overview of the SW Marine Bioregional Planning Process or identified AFAs, please go to the webpage via the link below   http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/south-west/index.html or contact our WA liaison officers: Paula Tomkins 9383 7912/ Anna-lee Stravens 9383 7924

Figure 1: South-west Areas for Further Assessment

Abrolhos, Jurien, Perth Canyon, South-west Corner, Recherche, GAB (extension), Western Eyre