Marine Protected Areas

The Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is the agency responsible for the declaration and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Commonwealth waters. Various state agencies are responsible for the declaration and management of MPAs in state waters.

The Australian Government released its Oceans Policy 1998 to provide a framework for integrated ecosystem based planning and management for Australian Commonwealth waters. A key component of the Oceans Policy is to develop Marine Bioregional Plans and also to accelerate the development of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA).

Our role

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) provides input as required on the declaration and ongoing management of MPAs in waters where Commonwealth fisheries operate. In the case of Commonwealth waters, input is provided to SEWPaC. Input to state MPA processes is provided where appropriate during public comment phases or by invitation.

AFMA provides input on policy and management issues relating to the identification and zonation of new Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas through the Marine Bioregional Planning Process.