Marine Bioregional Planning

Coral Sea

Proposal for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve - Consultation paper

Product code: MAR128.1111

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CONTENTS

PREFACE

Australia has the third largest marine environment estate of any nation in the world. Just as precious environments on land are protected in national parks, our oceans contain many iconic, ecologically important and fragile places that deserve protection. Much of our marine life is found nowhere else in the world. Our nation is home to an amazing diversity of marine environments, from the tropical waters of the Coral Sea to the depths of the Southern Ocean. We have a responsibility to keep our oceans healthy, resilient and productive for current and future generations.

Marine bioregional plans are being prepared under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to improve the way decisions are made about the protection of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of our ocean resources.

New Commonwealth marine reserves (also called marine protected areas or marine parks) are being identified through the marine bioregional planning process to meet the Australian Government's commitment, in partnership with the states and the Northern Territory, to establish a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas.1

The Commonwealth marine reserves will be established in Commonwealth waters. As such, they will have no effect in state waters, which commence at the coast and usually extend 3 nautical miles (5.5 kilometres) out to sea. Most islands and archipelagos are also surrounded by state waters. Marine parks in state waters are being established by the state and Northern Territory governments. To the extent the marine reserves intersect with native title claims, there is no intention to impact on native title rights and interests. Native title parties are invited to make a submission on the proposal.

This document has been prepared by the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to present a proposal for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. It provides information to assist public consultation on the proposal.

This document also outlines the next steps involved in finalising the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve and explains the opportunities for further stakeholder input.

The document is accompanied by additional information that is available on the department's website. Supporting maps, a detailed report and submission form are available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

1 OVERVIEW

Australia is a world leader in the development and management of marine reserves. These reserves exist to protect Australia's unique marine biodiversity for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. The Australian Government has committed to establishing a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas, which will set aside and protect examples of the rich variety of Australia's marine ecosystems, from tropical coral reefs in the north, to the temperate giant kelp forests in the south, to the unique life forms that inhabit our deep oceans.

As part of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas, the Australian Government is developing networks of marine reserves for each of the five large marine planning regions of the Commonwealth marine area (Figure 1.1). This area generally lies between the 3 nautical mile (5.5 kilometre) limit of state or Northern Territory waters, and the 200 nautical mile limit of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone. More information about how the proposed new reserves have been developed is available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

The Coral Sea Conservation Zone was declared in May 2009 to provide interim protection while the area was being assessed as part of the marine bioregional planning process for possible inclusion in one or more Commonwealth marine reserves. The Coral Sea Conservation Zone comprises the Commonwealth waters east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, covering approximately 972 000 square kilometres. The Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve proposal does not cover state waters or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but does include two existing Commonwealth marine reserves: Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve. The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve covers approximately 989 842 square kilometres of tropical ocean and includes extensive examples of the unique and rich biological diversity of the Coral Sea.

This document presents a proposal for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve for public consultation. Comments received through the public consultation process will be taken into account in finalising the proposal. Once finalised, it will be released for public comment for at least 60 days, as part of the process required by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 before Commonwealth reserves are proclaimed under the Act.

Figure 1.1: Australia's marine planning regions and existing Commonwealth marine reserves

Figure 1.1: Australia's marine planning regions and existing Commonwealth marine reserves

The marine reserve will not affect waters within the 3 nautical mile (5.5 kilometre) limit of coastal waters of Queensland. It applies to Commonwealth waters only (excluding the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

2 PROPOSAL FOR THE CORAL SEA COMMONWEALTH MARINE RESERVE

2.1 Coral Sea values

The Coral Sea is recognised throughout the world for its unique physical, ecological and heritage values. It is situated adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and covers an area of the ocean more than half the size of Queensland. The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a remote ocean ecosystem. The nearest point is over 60 kilometres or 32 nautical miles from the coast and extends out to 1100 kilometres. It is pristine, encompassing a vast range of tropical and deepwater habitats across depth ranges to 5000 metres. Extensive shallow reef systems support tropical communities abundant in hard and soft corals, sponges, algae and numerous invertebrate species (for example, trochus and sea stars). In addition to the shallow reef systems, the Coral Sea has deep, cold water troughs and abyssal basins which support and provide habitat for distinctly different benthic communities. These seafloor associated communities create significant structural complexity that attracts an array of species, many of which are protected species or unique to the Coral Sea region. While the deeper areas of the region are yet to be fully explored, there is evidence of biologically important systems that are likely to be home to undiscovered species. The Coral Sea also contains outstanding examples of isolated sand cays and islands, including some that support approximately 15 per cent of Australia's Pisonia grandis forest (a species of flowering tree in the bougainvillea family).

At a broader scale, there are six provincial bioregions in the Coral Sea: Cape Province, Northeast Transition, Northeast Province, Kenn Transition, Kenn Province and Central Eastern Transition. These bioregions are large areas with broadly similar characteristics, classified by scientists based on the distribution of fish species and ocean conditions.

Key ecological features

Three key ecological features of the region-the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Queensland and Marion Plateaux and the northern extent of the Tasmantid seamount chain-highlight the biological significance and ecological value of the region. The three features are also thought to play a critical role as 'stepping-stones' in the genetic pathways that link the Great Barrier Reef with the broader South Pacific islands.

The Queensland and Marion plateaux are considered important for aggregations of marine life and the high levels of biodiversity they support. The reefs and islands of these plateaux are approximately 200-400 kilometres from the coast and provide for diverse and abundant invertebrate (for example, sea cucumbers) and fish communities. Osprey, Bougainville, Lihou, Marion, Tregrosse and Saumarez Reefs are known for particularly high densities of shark species. Osprey is also recognised for its populations of the iconic humphead Maori wrasse and nautilus. Reef lagoons are important nursery sites for sharks and mid-sized predatory fish, while island areas support critical nesting sites for the green turtle and a range of seabird species, including the red-footed booby and frigatebirds.

The plateaux abut two significant deep water regions: the Queensland Trough, which separates the Queensland Plateau from the Great Barrier Reef; and the Townsville Trough, which separates the two plateaux from each other. Although relatively unexplored, these deep troughs are likely to be as biologically important as their shallower neighbours. Highlighting this was the recent discovery of the Gloria Knolls in the Queensland Trough - a site of vulnerable and unique coldwater coral communities. The trough has a number of canyons and gullies within it that are also likely to support unique deepwater ecosystems.

The Tasmantid seamounts are a prominent chain of submarine volcanoes, plateaux and terraces that support significant aggregations of marine life. The reefs in the northern extent of the seamount chain, including Kenn Reef and Bird and Cato Islands, provide feeding and breeding grounds for a number of open ocean species (for example, billfish, marine turtles, marine mammals).

Important species

In the Coral Sea, sites of enhanced productivity2 are important aggregators for a range of pelagic species, including mid-sized predatory fish (for example, mahi-mahi, albacore tuna) and large predators (for example, broadbill swordfish, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, and mako sharks). The Coral Sea has at least one species of deepwater houndshark and one species of lanternshark only known to be found in the Queensland Plateau area. Several sites in the region are known to attract a range of iconic protected species, including marine turtles, marine mammals and seabirds. Some of these species, such as the vulnerable green turtle, breed in the region, while other species, including the dwarf minke whale, hawksbill turtle and the endangered herald petrel, are thought to forage in the area. The Coral Sea is also an important migration corridor for a number of species and contains a range of breeding areas for seabirds, including frigatebirds, terns and boobies.

Oceanographic patterns

Oceanographic processes (such as currents) play a significant role in the biological patterns across the Coral Sea region. There are three main currents that affect the region; the South Equatorial, Hiri, and East Australian currents. The South Equatorial Current moves west toward Townsville and Cairns from offshore waters to the east. As it moves toward the coast it splits into the north-flowing Hiri Current and the East Australian Current. A slow clockwise eddy3 , originating from the East Australian Current, circulates around the Marion Plateau. A similar gyre4 system of ocean currents exists atop the Queensland Plateau. The flow of these localised features is thought to create a barrier to larval dispersal that contributes to the high species uniqueness (endemism) and localised distribution of species in the region.

Figure 2.1.1: Major ocean currents in eastern Australian waters (Image courtesy of CSIRO Marine Research)

Figure 2.1.1: Major ocean currents in eastern Australian waters (Image courtesy of CSIRO Marine Research)

Heritage values

Heritage values are significant in the Coral Sea. First charted in 1803, the region was frequently visited by vessels that came to mine guano and to harvest pearls, trochus and sea cucumbers. It was navigationally treacherous however, and numerous ships were wrecked, many giving their name to the reefs that claimed them. There are 10 historic shipwrecks recorded in the Coral Sea and, while the locations of many shipwrecks remain unknown, two wrecked ships-the Cato and the HMS Porpoise-are considered particularly significant. The region was significant in the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II. Three shipwrecks from this battle are known to have sunk in the north-eastern area of the Coral Sea - the USS Lexington (an aircraft carrier), the USS Sims (a destroyer), and the USS Neosho (an aviation fuel supplier).

2.2 Coral Sea Marine Reserve

The proposed Commonwealth marine reserve covers 989 842 square kilometres (Figure 2.2.1). Due to the size of the region, this document divides the proposed Commonwealth marine reserve into six sub-regions to facilitate effective public consultation (Figure 5.1). The six sub-regions are part of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve and are not being proposed as individual reserves. The six sub-regions of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:

Two existing Commonwealth marine reserves are incorporated into the new proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve. They are:

Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve was established in 1982 and lies approximately 400 kilometres east of Cairns. It covers an area of 8852 square kilometres and has six sand cays, including North-east and South-west Herald Cays, Coringa and Chilcott Islets and North-east and South-west Magdelaine Cays. The reserve is considered important for its island and reef ecosystems and shallow and deepwater habitats that support breeding marine turtles and seabirds.

Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve was established in 1982 and lies approximately 630 kilometres east-south-east of Cairns and 100 kilometres from the Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve. It covers an area of 8437 square kilometres of seabed and has a horseshoe-shaped reef system containing 18 sand cays. The reserve is considered important for its island and reef ecosystems, particularly its shelf edge oceanic reefs, that support breeding marine turtles and seabirds.

The proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve includes extensive examples of the different marine ecosystems found in the region. It also incorporates important areas for unique and threatened species, including green turtles, humpback whales, sharks, whale sharks and seabirds. A number of areas of high conservation value, including the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Queensland and Marion Plateaus, the northern extent of the Tasmantid seamount chain and several important shipwrecks are incorporated into the proposal. The South Equatorial Current and related Hiri Current and East Australian Current, and deep ocean floor ecosystems of the Queensland and Townsville Troughs, the Kenn Plateau and the Cato and Coral Sea Abyssal Basins, are also protected under the proposal.

More information about the proposed reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve, available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 2.2.1: Proposal for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 2.2.1: Proposal for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

3 INTEGRATING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS INTO PLANNING

The Coral Sea presents a unique opportunity for Australia to establish a marine reserve of global significance. The proposed reserve would be the world's largest marine protected area, providing significant protection to the outstanding conservation and heritage values of the region. This major conservation outcome can be achieved with relatively low potential impacts on commercial activities when compared with other marine areas of equivalent scale within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone where activities such as commercial fishing and petroleum resources development are much more extensive.

The proposal would remove commercial fishing activities from a significant portion of the region. Some commercial fishing activities would continue in some areas. The Australian Government is committed to providing fair and reasonable assistance to industries affected by greater marine protection.

There are currently no petroleum exploration or acreage releases that overlap with the proposed marine reserve. The Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve proposal would exclude these activities from being undertaken in the future.

The public consultation process will clarify the potential impacts of the proposed marine reserve on industry and other users. To determine the extent of impact and the flow-on effects on regional communities, a socioeconomic assessment will be conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences in consultation with stakeholders and government agencies in parallel with the public consultation process. The outcomes of the assessment, together with the submissions received about the proposed marine reserve, will inform government decisions on the final reserve and its zoning.

4 WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE ALLOWED IN EACH OF THE ZONES WITHIN THE RESERVE?

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) sets out the legal framework for declaring and managing Commonwealth marine reserves. It requires that, upon proclamation of new Commonwealth marine reserves, each Commonwealth reserve must be assigned to one of the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) internationally recognised set of seven protected area management categories.5 Schedule 8 of the Regulations under the EPBC Act outlines the Australian IUCN reserve management principles.6 A Commonwealth reserve proclamation can also divide a reserve into zones and assign an IUCN category to each zone. Four types of zones (using three IUCN categories) are proposed within the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. Petroleum resources exploration and development and other mining activities will not be permitted anywhere in the marine reserve. The zone types are:

In the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve, it is proposed that the following commercial fishing gears and methods will be excluded from Habitat Protection Zones:

Table 4.1: Overview of proposed zoning scheme for the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Activity Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI) Special Purpose Zone (IUCN Category VI) Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN Category IV) Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)
Research and monitoringaTickTickTickTick
Tourism, including dive/snorkel tours, nature watchinga TickTickTickTick
ShippingbTickTickTickTick
Commercial vessel transitTickTickTickTick
Charter fishinga, cTickTickTickd Cross
Offshore aquacultureaTick Cross Cross Cross
Mining, including petroleum exploration and development Cross Cross Cross Cross
Commercial fishing (except as indicated below)aTickTickTick Cross
Handline/rod and reelTickTickTickd Cross
Hand collection (including sea cucumber and marine aquarium fish)TickTickTickeCross
Crab and fish trap/potTickTickCross Cross
Purse seineTick Cross Cross Cross
Pelagic longlineTick Cross Cross Cross
Demersal trawl Cross Cross Cross Cross
Gillnet (set mesh nets, demersal and pelagic) Cross Cross Cross Cross
Demersal longline (including set dropline, auto-longline and bottom-set trotline) Cross Cross Cross Cross
Recreational
Recreational fishingcTickTickTickdCross
Recreational scuba diving and snorkellingTickTickTickTick
BoatingTickTickTickTick
Filming and photographyTickTickTickTick

a Approval will be required for these activities (e.g. registration, general approval or individual permit).
b Ballast water exchange is managed under national arrangements. Restrictions may apply in sensitive areas.
c Recreational fishing is managed by the states. All state rules and regulations (e.g. size and bag limits) will apply in Commonwealth marine reserves unless otherwise specified in statutory management plans.
d Catch and release fishing. Take of fish for consumption for the duration of a trip is permitted.
e Hand collection is not allowed in the Marion Reef Habitat Protection Zone.

Further information on the Commonwealth zoning policy framework is available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

5 PROPOSED CORAL SEA COMMONWEALTH MARINE RESERVE

Name Proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 989 842 km2
Depth range 0-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Habitat and important areas for a range of species have been identified in the region, including for humpback whales during their annual migration along the east coast of Australia; nesting and inter-nesting sites for green turtles; breeding and foraging areas for multiple seabird species including noddies, terns, boobies, frigatebirds, and tropic birds; white shark distribution and whale shark aggregation.
  • Transient populations of highly migratory pelagic species, including small fish schools, billfish, tuna and sharks. Black marlin undergo seasonal movements into the Queensland Plateau area. The East Australian Current forms in the region and is considered a major pathway for mobile predators such as billfish and tunas.
  • Includes three Key Ecological Features: the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Queensland Plateau and the Marion Plateau and the northern extent of the Tasmantid seamount chain.
  • Heritage values include several historic shipwrecks and three World War II shipwrecks from the Battle of the Coral Sea.
  • The proposed reserve represents the full range of seafloor features found in the region, including numerous reefs ranging from Ashmore and Boot Reefs in the north of the region to Cato Island and surrounding reefs in the south. The proposed reserve includes canyons, troughs and plateaux, including Bligh Canyon approximately 200 kilometres off the coast from Lockhart River and the Townsville Trough, which separates the Queensland and Marion Plateaux. The proposed reserve extends into the deeper waters of the Coral Sea Basin in the north, and provides protection for the pinnacles of the northern extent of the Tasmantid seamount chain.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Cape Province, Northeast Transition, Northeast Province, Kenn Transition, Kenn Province and Central Eastern Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Torres Strait Turtle Fishery, the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery, the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery and Eastern Skipjack Tuna Fishery. A number of Queensland fisheries can also operate in the region but mostly operate within Queensland state waters and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These include the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery, the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, the Marine Specimen Shell Collection Fishery, the Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery, the Spanner Crab Fishery, the East Coast Pearl Fishery, the Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery, the East Coast Trochus Fishery, the Coral Fishery, the Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, the East Coast Beche-de-mer Fishery, the Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery, the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery, the East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery, and the Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery. Recreational, charter and game fishing is a key activity in the area; however, most recreational fishing occurs in state waters and within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Other activities in this area include research, tourism and shipping. There is one native title determination within the proposed marine reserve.
Types of zoning proposed Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)-507 487 km2
Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN Category IV)-19 401 km2
Special Purpose Zone (IUCN Category VI)-202 365 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)-260 589 km2
Adjacent protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Existing protected areas Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve
Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve has been divided into six sub-regions to facilitate effective public consultation (Figure 5.1). The six sub-regions are part of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve and are not being proposed as individual reserves.

Figure 5.1: Proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve with sub-regions identified for consultation purposes

Figure 5.1: Proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve with sub-regions identified for consultation purposes

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

5.1 Sub-regions of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Name Cape York sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 55 109 km2
Depth range <15-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Habitat and important areas for seabirds, including foraging sites for the common noddy and masked booby.
  • Populations of large pelagic fish including blue trevally, barracuda and tunas, as well as grey reef and whitetip reef sharks.
  • Communities of shallow and deepwater corals, as well as crabs, echinoderms, and cephalopods.
  • Includes the northernmost section of the Queensland Plateau, a key ecological feature that covers approximately 165 000 km2. The Queensland plateau provides connectivity between the South Pacific reefs and the Great Barrier Reef.
  • This sub-region includes a range of seafloor features, from the shallow coral reefs Ashmore Reef and Boot Reef, to Bligh Canyon in the south with a large area of slope in depths from 1000 to 3000 metres.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Cape Province and Northeast Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses An important area for Indigenous use. This is acknowledged through the Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim, which extends over approximately 37 800 km2 of sea in the Torres Strait, between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Torres Strait Turtle Fishery, the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery, the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery, Queensland Line Fisheries and Queensland Net Fisheries. Recreational and charter fishing are key activities in the area; however, most recreational fishing occurs in state waters and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Other activities in this area include shipping.
Types of zoning proposed Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)-43 146 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)-11 964 km2
Adjacent protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.1: Cape York sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.1: Cape York sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

NameQueensland Plateau Inner Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area174 736 km2
Depth range<15-4000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Habitat and important areas for a range of species occur in the sub-region, including breeding and calving grounds for humpback whales during their annual migration along the east coast of Australia; nesting and inter-nesting sites for green turtles; likely foraging grounds for hawksbill turtles; an aggregation site for whale sharks; and breeding and foraging areas for a number of seabirds including black noddy, black-naped tern, brown booby, common noddy, crested tern, lesser frigatebird, red-footed booby, red鬯ｩ蛹・ｽｽ・ｯ郢晢ｽｻ繝ｻ・ｶ鬮ｯ讒ｭ・医・・ｸ陜滂ｽｫled tropic bird, sooty tern and wedge-tailed shearwater.
  • Transient populations of highly migratory pelagic species, including small fish schools, billfish, tuna and sharks. Black marlin undergo seasonal movements into the Queensland Plateau area. The East Australian Current forms in this region and is considered a major connectivity pathway for mobile predators such as billfish and tunas.
  • Includes one key ecological feature: the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Queensland Plateau-namely Malay, Flora, Moore, Flinders, Bougainville and Holmes Reefs. The largest reef complex in this sub-region is Tregrosse Reef. The Queensland plateau provides connectivity between the South Pacific reefs and the Great Barrier Reef.
  • This sub-region includes a range of seafloor features, including the Queensland Trough, that follows the region's border with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the Townsville Trough that separates the Queensland Plateau from the Marion Plateau.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Cape Province, Northeast Province and Northeast Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses The Commonwealth managed Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery 'Coral Sea Zone' is fished by a small number of permit holders. Other fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery and Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery, Queensland Line Fisheries and Queensland Net Fisheries. Recreational and charter fishing are key activities in the area, however, most recreational fishing occurs in state waters and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The area is also important for tourism, particularly diving, as well as boating and shipping.
Types of zoning proposed Special Purpose Zone (IUCN Category VI)-174 736 km2
Adjacent protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.2: Queensland Plateau Inner Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.2: Queensland Plateau Inner Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Name Queensland Plateau Outer Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 268 425 km2
Depth range <15-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Habitat and important areas for a range of species occur in the sub-region, including nesting and inter-nesting sites for the green turtle and breeding and foraging areas for a range of seabirds including the red-tailed tropic bird, red-footed booby, sooty tern and wedge-tailed shearwater. The Pisonia grandis forests on two islets of the existing Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve provide important habitat for nesting seabirds.
  • The sub-region is important for sharks (whitetip, reef, gery reef and silvertip), manta rays, and other fish including humphead maori wrasse, yellowfin and bigeye tunas, and potato cod. The Queensland Plateau region is also important for seasonal movements of black marlin.
  • Includes one key ecological feature: the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Queensland Plateau. Approximately half of the Queensland Plateau surface is less than 1000 metres deep and reefs including Osprey and Shark Reefs, and the Willis Islets, occur on its surface. The largest reef complex in this sub-region is Lihou Reef. The plateau provides connectivity between the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve.
  • This sub-region includes a range of seafloor features from shallow reefs across the eastern limits of the Queensland Plateau to the deep ocean floor of the Coral Sea Basin.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Northeast Transition and the Northeast Province provincial bioregions.
Existing uses Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery and Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery and some recreational and charter fishing. Some Queensland commercial fisheries may occasionally operate in the area. Willis Island has a meteorological research station with staff on site. It is the only permanently populated island in the Coral Seas Islands Territory. The area is also important for tourism, particularly diving, as well as boating and shipping. In addition, Willis Island is of particular interest to the cruise shipping industry in the region. Scientific research and monitoring is conducted on the existing Coringa-Herald and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserves.
Types of zoning proposed Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)-228 903 km2
Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN Category IV)-13 609 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)-25 914 km2
Adjacent protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve will form part of the new proposed Coral Sea marine reserve

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.3: Queensland Plateau Outer Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.3: Queensland Plateau Outer Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Name Marion Plateau sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 124 387 km2
Depth range <15-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Important areas for a range of species occurring in the sub-region include breeding and foraging areas for seabirds including the brown booby, common noddy and black-naped tern and nesting and inter-nesting sites for the green turtle.
  • The subregion is important for populations of pelagic species such as yellowfin tunas, barracuda and sharks.
  • High proportion of endemic species-in particular, demersal sponge communities that are distinct from those found on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Includes one key ecological feature: the reefs, cays and herbivorous fish of the Marion Plateau. Two major reefs: Marion and Saumarez Reefs are the largest reef features of Marion Plateau.
  • The seafloor features of this sub-region are dominated by the Marion Plateau, and include reefs, canyons and large areas of slope, saddle and terrace.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Northeast Province, Kenn Transition and Central Eastern Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery, the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery, Queensland Line Fisheries and Queensland Net Fisheries. Queensland Pot and Spanner Crab Fisheries may operate around Saumarez Reef. Important recreational and charter fishing areas are located around Marion and Saumarez Reefs, however, most recreational fishing occurs in state waters and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Recreational and charter fishing targets large pelagic predators such as black marlin in the area. The area is also important for tourism, particularly diving, as well as boating and shipping.
Types of zoning proposed Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN Category IV)-5793 km2
Special Purpose Zone (IUCN Category VI)-27 629 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)-90 965 km2
Adjacent protected areas Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.4: Marion Plateau sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.4: Marion Plateau sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Name Mellish sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 182 766 km2
Depth range <15-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • Habitat and important breeding and foraging areas for the masked booby occur in the sub-region.
  • Includes one key ecological feature: the northern extension of the Tasmantid seamount chain. Part of this feature includes Mellish Reef, the most notable shallow reef of the sub-region.
  • Three important shipwrecks from the World War II Battle of the Coral Sea are located in this sub-region. These include:
    • USS Sims
    • USS Lexington
    • USS Neosho.
  • Important seafloor features of this sub-region include the reefs and seamounts of the northern extent of the Tasmantid seamount chain, Mellish Plateau and Mellish rise.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Northeast Province and Kenn Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery, as well as some charter fishing. The area is also important for boating and shipping.
Types of zoning proposed Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)-176 511 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)-6255 km2

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.5: Mellish sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.5: Mellish sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Name Southern Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Area 184 418 km2
Depth range <15-5000 m (approx.)
Major conservation valuesa
  • High sponge diversity and important areas for a range of species have been identified in the sub-region including breeding and foraging areas for a number of seabirds. White sharks also occur in the area.
  • Includes one key ecological feature: the northern extension of the Tasmantid seamount chain including Cato Seamount, Wreck Seamount and Kenn Seamount. These are different from the southern seamounts of the Tasmantid chain, as they extend all the way to the surface, to be capped by islands and reefs, namely Bird and Cato Islands, Kenn Reef and Wreck Reef. These shallow reef systems are remote and relatively pristine.
  • The seafloor features of this subregion include numerous reefs which generally sit atop a the north-south oriented Tasmantid Seamount Chain. Large areas of plateau and basin, including the feature commonly called the Cato Trough, are also within this sub-region.
  • Examples of the ecosystems of the Kenn Province, Kenn Transition, and the Central Eastern Transition provincial bioregions.
Existing uses Fisheries operating in the area include the Commonwealth Coral Sea Fishery and Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery. The Queensland line and otter trawl fisheries may operate in the area. There is also recreational and charter fishing that targets large pelagic predators such as billfish, tuna and giant trevally. The area is also important for boating and shipping.
Types of zoning proposed Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)- 58 928 km2
Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)- 125 490 km2

a A full list of the conservation values included in the reserve is in the detailed analysis of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea.

Figure 5.1.6: Southern Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 5.1.6: Southern Reefs sub-region of the proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve is within Commonwealth waters to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will have no impact in state waters, or Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

6 NEXT STEPS

6.1 Assessing the socioeconomic impacts

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve would be the world's largest marine protected area, providing significant protection to the outstanding conservation and heritage values of the region. This major conservation proposal can be achieved with relatively low displacement of commercial activity in comparison to the more intensive use of other marine areas within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone. There is no petroleum resources exploitation and development currently undertaken in the region and such activity is not permitted in the adjacent Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Commercial fisheries have a relatively small presence in the region. The East Coast Tuna and Billfish Fishery is the largest fishery with a catch value of approximately $8 million per year in the Coral Sea Conservation Zone. Hand collection of tropical fish and coral for the marine aquarium trade is the single biggest component of the Coral Sea Fishery. The Australian Government is committed to providing fair and reasonable assistance to industries affected by greater marine protection of this unique region for future generations.

The public consultation process will clarify the potential impacts of the proposed marine reserve on industry and other users. To determine the extent of impact and the flow-on effects on regional communities, in parallel with the public consultation process a socioeconomic assessment will be conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences in consultation with stakeholders and government agencies. The outcomes of the assessment, together with the submissions received about the proposed marine reserve during the public consultation period, will inform government decisions on the final marine reserve proposal.

Consultation is critical in developing the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve for three important reasons:

The commercial fishing industry will be affected by the proposed marine reserve. The proposal would remove commercial fishing activities from a significant portion of the proposed marine reserve while allowing for the continuation of some commercial fishing activities within some areas. Of the 15 fisheries operating in the region, 12 fisheries are likely to be affected by the marine reserve proposal. Some fisheries will no longer be able to operate in the region (for example, trawl fisheries). The Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery is likely to be the most affected fishery, with significant proposed reduction in available fishing grounds. The Australian Government has released a Fisheries Adjustment Policy to support the creation of new Commonwealth marine reserves.

The proposed marine reserve overlaps with a number of important recreational, charter and game fishing sites. These areas have been generally zoned so that recreational, charter and game fishing activities may continue. All available information suggests there will be minimal displacement of recreational charter and game fishing as a result of the proposed marine reserve.

Native title rights can exist in waters over which Australia asserts sovereign rights under the Sea and Submerged Lands Act 1973. Native title determinations need not have been made for native title rights to exist. The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve may overlap to some degree with native title. In addition, the proposed marine reserve intersects with one native title determination. With the establishment of marine reserves the Commonwealth intends to minimise any impact on native title rights and interests, in consultation with native title claimants.

There are currently no petroleum exploration or acreage releases that overlap with the proposed marine reserve. The Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve proposal would exclude these activities from being undertaken in the future.

Shipping passage will be allowed in all zones within the marine reserve.

6.2 Finalising the reserve and declaration

The process for finalising the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes several opportunities for the public to contribute:

6.3 Have your say

The release of the proposal for a Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve marks the start of the first formal public consultation period on the proposed reserve. Stakeholders will have 90 days in which to submit comments on the proposal.

Information sessions will be held to ensure that the public has an understanding of the reserve and the potential implications for the community, and to outline areas where the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is seeking feedback on the proposed reserve. An important objective of the consultation period is to obtain and refine information for use in the socioeconomic analysis being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

Public participation will assist the government to more fully understand the likely benefits and potential impacts of the proposed reserve, and to avoid unnecessary costs to communities and businesses affected by the proposed reserve and to society as a whole.

The department invites public feedback on the proposed marine reserve. There are three ways to submit feedback:

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
MBP Submissions - Coral Sea
Reply Paid 787
Canberra ACT 2601

Further details about the stakeholder consultation process and opportunities to be involved are available at www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea. The website also contains fact sheets on specific items of interest and answers to a number of frequently asked questions. If you have any questions about how to make a submission or on any other aspects of the marine bioregional planning process, please email East.MarinePlan@environment.gov.au or phone 1800 069 352.

Figure 6.1: Finalising the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Figure 6.1: Finalising the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve

7 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council Task Force on Marine Protected Areas 1998, Guidelines for establishing the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas, Environment Australia, Canberra, %lt;www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/publications/nrsmpa-guidelines.html>.

DEWR (Department of the Environment and Water Resources) 2007, Goals and principles for the establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas in Commonwealth waters, Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Canberra, <www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/publications/general/goals-nrsmpa.html>.

Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australia Technical Group 1998, Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australia: an ecosystem-based classification for marine and coastal environments, Environment Australia, Canberra.

MAP DATA SOURCES

DSEWPaC (2011): Proposed Commonwealth Marine Reserve in the Coral Sea Region.
DSEWPaC (2008): Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD).
DSEWPaC (2007): Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas Managed by DSEWPaC.
DSEWPaC (2006): Commonwealth Marine Planning Regions.
Geoscience Australia (2006): Australian Maritime Boundaries (AMB) v2.0.
Geoscience Australia (2006): Commonwealth Fishery Boundaries.
Geoscience Australia (2005): Australian Bathymetry and Topography.
Geoscience Australia (2003): Australia, TOPO-2.5M Topographic Data.

APPENDIX A

Goals and principles for the establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas in Commonwealth waters

Goal 1 - Each provincial bioregion occurring in the marine region should be represented at least once in the marine reserve network. Priority will be given to provincial bioregions not already represented in the National Representative System.

Goal 2- The marine reserve network should cover all depth ranges occurring in the region or other gradients in light penetration in waters over the continental shelf.

Goal 3 - The marine reserve network should seek to include examples of benthic/demersal biological features (for example, habitats, communities, sub-regional ecosystems, particularly those with high biodiversity value, species richness and endemism) known to occur in the marine region at a broad sub provincial (greater than hundreds of kilometres) scale.

Goal 4 - The marine reserve network should include all types of seafloor features. There are 21 seafloor types across the entire Exclusive Economic Zone. Some provincial bioregions will be characterised by the presence of a certain sub-set of features, such as continental slope or seamounts.

In developing options that meet the four goals, the following location principles will be applied:

  1. Marine reserves will be located taking into account the occurrence and location of existing spatial management arrangements (for example, existing protected areas and sectoral measures) that contribute to the goals.
  2. The goals should be met with the least number of separate marine reserves (that is, a smaller number of larger marine reserves rather than many small marine reserves) to maximise conservation outcomes.

Where different options that meet the Goals exist, the following selection principles should be considered in selecting areas suitable for inclusion in the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas:

  1. The capacity of a marine reserve to mitigate identified threats to conservation values.
  2. The occurrence of spatially defined habitats for and/or aggregations of threatened and/or migratory species.
  3. The occurrence of ecologically important pelagic features which have a consistent and definable spatial distribution.
  4. The occurrence of known small-scale (tens of kilometres) ecosystems associated with the benthic/demersal environment.
  5. Relevant available information about small-scale distribution of sediment types and sizes and other geo-oceanographic variables.
  6. Occurrence of listed heritage sites (where inclusion in the marine reserve network would improve administration of protection regimes).
  7. Socioeconomic costs should be minimised.

Once the broad location of marine reserves has been determined, the following design principles should be applied to further refine the size and shape of individual marine reserves:

  1. Individual areas should, as far as practicable, include continuous depth transects (for example, from the shelf to the abyss).
  2. Whole seafloor features (such as geomorphic features) should be included.
  3. Features should be replicated wherever possible within the system of marine reserves (that is, included more than once).
  4. Size and shape should be orientated to account for inclusion of connectivity corridors and biological dispersal patterns within and across marine reserves.
  5. Boundary lines should be simple, as much as possible following straight latitudinal/longitudinal lines.
  6. Boundary lines should be easily identifiable, where possible coinciding with existing regulatory boundaries.
  7. The size and shape of each area should be set to minimise socioeconomic costs.

The following zoning principles will be applied in developing the regional systems of marine reserves:

  1. Zoning will be based on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)/the World Conservation Union (IUCN) categories of protection.
  2. The regional marine reserve network will aim to include some highly protected areas (IUCN Categories I and II) in each provincial bioregion.
  3. Zoning will be based on the consideration of the threat that specific activities pose to the conservation objectives of each marine reserve.
  4. Zoning of marine reserves will seek to ensure that the conservation objectives of the area are protected, taking into account a precautionary approach to threats as well as the relative costs and benefits (economic, social and environmental) of different zoning arrangements.

1 In 1998, the Australian Government and state and territory governments agreed to develop the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. In 2002, Australia joined other nations at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in committing to establish networks of representative protected areas within their maritime jurisdictions by 2012. For further information see www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/nrsmpa

2 Productivity - the process through which algae and seagrasses transform inorganic nutrients into organic matter through photosynthesis. The process is at the basis of the ocean's food web, as phytoplankton and algae are consumed by zooplankton and grazing organisms, respectively, and these are in turn consumed by larger and larger predators. Nutrient-rich waters promote and support productivity.

3 Eddy - circular movements of water 窶・or whirlpools 窶・formed on the side of a main current.

4 Gyre - large rotating ocean current.

5 IUCN categories are based on the Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories published by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in 1994 For further information, see www.iucn.org/about/work/ programmes/pa/pa_products/wcpa_categories.

6 For further information, see www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/publications/pubs/iucn-principles.pdf.

Reserve proposal cover graphic

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