International Marine Issues
As a maritime nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west, the Southern Ocean to the South, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the seas of East Asia to the north, Australia places great importance on ensuring economic development of marine resources exists side by side with sensitive environmental care.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Australia is committed to actively cooperating at the regional and global level to ensure both living and non-living resources are managed carefully and sustainably. We have a shared responsibility of ensuring the long term health of the world's oceans.
Australia's Oceans Policy, launched by the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, Senator The Hon Robert Hill in December 1998, states:
"Australia must participate internationally in bilateral and multilateral arrangements to establish and implement international regimes that are effective in identifying and addressing issues in transboundary management"
The policy continues:
"Australia should provide leadership regionally and internationally in the management of our oceans, recognising the possibility that national activities may have effects on the marine jurisdictions of neighbouring countries"
