Marine Protected Areas

Permits and approvals

The Commonwealth reserves listed below have in place management plans or interim management arrangements, which set out what activities are or are not allowed in the reserves. Management plans and interim management arrangements are prepared in accordance with the Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the EPBC Regulations Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000

Some activities may only be undertaken under a permit or an Approval issued by the Australian Government Director of National Parks. Activities that can only be undertaken under a permit will vary from reserve to reserve but typically include:

• scientific research;
• commercial or charter fishing; and
• other commercial activities (including photography, dive tours etc.)

For a guide to management arrangements for activities in the reserves, plus a link to each reserve's management plan, please follow the links below:

• Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island Reserves
• Coral Seas Reserves
• Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs Marine National Nature Reserve
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
• Lord Howe Island Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
• Macquarie Island Marine Park
• Mermaid Reef Marine National Nature Reserve
• Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
• Solitary Islands Marine Reserve (Commonwealth Waters)
• South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network

Applying for a permit or an Approval

Please contact the Marine Protected Areas team via:

Email: mpa@environment.gov.au

Phone: (02) 6274 1111