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Marine Protected Areas
Activities undertaken in the Reserves are regulated under the Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve Management Plan. This Management Plan will expire on 4 September 2008. Until a new management plan is in place, interim management arrangements will apply.
From 4 September 2008 all people intending to undertake activities in the Coringa-Herald and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserves must apply for an Approval from the Director of National Parks.
Under the interim management arrangements activities that are allowed to take place in the Reserves will remain unchanged (see Activity Table)
An Approval is a legal instrument under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) that allows activities to occur in a Commonwealth marine reserve in the absence of a management plan for that reserve. The Approval is issued by the Director of National Parks, or his delegate, who has statutory responsibility for the management of all Commonwealth reserves.
All commercial tour operators and researchers who wish to operate within the Reserves are required to apply for an Approval.
Commercial vessel transit will be covered by a General Approval and an individual Approval will not be required for this activity.
There are conditions associated with Approvals to conduct activities within the Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve and Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve. These conditions place certain requirements on activities undertaken in the Reserves. Failure to adhere to these conditions may result in variation or revocation of Approvals.
To apply for an Approval to conduct activities within the Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve or Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve contact the Coral Sea Reserve Manager on (02) 6274 1111 or email mpa@environment.gov.au.
If your application is approved you will receive your Approval in the mail. This should be kept onboard your vessel and you must abide by its conditions.