Coasts and marine
Marine Bioregional Planning
Australia's marine bioregional planning program is designed to provide a clearer focus on conservation and sustainable management of Australia's marine environment. It is a process that is underpinned by the principles of ecologically sustainable development and it takes an ecosystem approach in managing Australia's marine biodiversity and environment.
Marine bioregional planning is currently being implemented in five marine bioregional planning regions - the South-west, North-west, North, East and South-east Marine Regions.
The Coral Sea Conservation Zone was established in May 2009 and provides interim protection to the area while it is being assessed for possible inclusion in one or more Commonwealth marine reserves through the marine bioregional planning process.
Montara oil spill
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is responsible for ensuring the implementation of a plan of action to help any wildlife that might be affected by the Montara oil spill in Commonwealth waters and to respond to any possible impacts in Commonwealth marine reserves in the region.
A long-term scientific environmental monitoring program has been agreed between the Australian Government and the company responsible for the rig, PTTEP Australasia.
Latest news
August 2010
- Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery - Invitation for comments open until 1 October 2010
July 2010
- Tycraft Pty Ltd Giant Clams - invitation for comments open until 12 August 2010
June 2010
- South Australian Scallop and Turbo Fisheries (SASTF) - invitation for comments open until 2 August 2010
- Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery - invitation for comments open until 26 July 2010
- Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery - invitation for comments open until Friday 1 July 2010
- Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery - invitation for comments open until Friday 9 July 2010
April 2010
- Marine Bioregional Planning Bulletin - April 2010
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Draft recovery plans open for public comment
Public comment is invited on the draft White Shark Recovery Plan and the draft Australian Sea Lion Recovery Plan
March 2010
- South Australian Specimen Shell Fishery - invitation for comments open until 23 April 2010
- Western Australian Specimen Shell Managed Fishery - invitation for comments open until 23 April 2010
- Areas for Further Assessment in the East Marine Region
The release of the Areas for Further Assessment for the East Marine Region marks an important milestone in an unprecedented effort to assess the unique economic and environmental values of the Australian east coast marine environment. - Queensland East Coast Trochus Fishery - closing date for comments 20 April 2010
- Commonwealth Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery - closing date for comments 1 April 2010
February 2010
- South Australian Blue Crab Fishery - closing date for comments Friday 19 February 2010
- Queensland Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery - closing date for comments Friday 12 March 2010
January 2010
Latest news & events
International Whaling Commission Meeting, June 2010
The Future of the IWC: An Australian Proposal
Permits
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