Marine Protected Areas
Permits
Some activities may only be undertaken under a permit issued by the 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 tourism (including charter fishing); and
- other commercial activities (including photography, dive tours etc.)
Certain circumstances must be met before the Director can issue a permit for an activity in a Commonwealth marine reserve. These circumstances include that the activity is consistent with the management plan for the reserve (if there is a plan in force), or if no management plan is in force, that the activity is consistent with the purposes for which the reserve is declared. Other circumstances include that the activity is not likely to:
- endanger public safety; or
- unduly damage the reserve; or
- unduly interfere with the preservation or conservation of biodiversity or heritage in the reserve; or
- unduly interfere with the protection of other features or facilities in the reserve; or
- interfere with the privacy of other persons in the reserve.
The management plan of each marine protected area generally specifies if a permit is required in order to carry out a particular activity.
Determinations
Under the EPBC Regulations the Director can make a determination to determine or decide specific circumstances which apply to certain activities in a Commonwealth reserve, including in relation to:
- prohibiting or restricting entry to a reserve or area of a reserve
- capturing images or recording sound
- adventurous activities
- commercial fishing
- recreational fishing
- use of vessels
In making such a determination the Director may take into account, among other things, whether the activity might:
- endanger public safety
- interfere with the protection or conservation of biodiversity or heritage
- interfere with the protection of features or facilities in the reserve
A determination by the Director must be published in the Government Gazette. Additional publication requirements may also be required under the EPBC Regulations.
Also in this section
Existing Commonwealth reserves under the EPBC Act
Marine protected areas
Temperate East Marine Region
- Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs Marine National Nature Reserve
- Solitary Islands Marine Reserve (Commonwealth Waters)
- Lord Howe Island Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
- Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Coral Sea
- Coral Sea Conservation Zone
- Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve
- Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve
North-west Marine Region
- Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve
and
Cartier Island Marine Reserve - Mermaid Reef Marine National Nature Reserve
- Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)