An alliance* of 27 leading environment groups has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement on World Oceans Day to achieve 30 per cent of Australia’s oceans in highly protected areas by 2030.

“We welcome the Albanese Government’s commitment to fully protect 30% of Australia’s oceans in highly protected sanctuaries,” said Christabel Mitchell, Oceans Director, Pew Charitable Trusts.

“Fully protected marine sanctuaries are the heart of a healthy ocean. They are critical breeding and feeding grounds for the fish, seals, whales, turtles and other marine life which go on to populate our oceans.

“Australia has some of the most diverse and magnificent oceans on the planet and it’s our privilege and responsibility to protect them.

“We urge the Albanese Government to make marine protection a priority by increasing our marine sanctuaries – not just for our precious marine life, but also for our healthy future.”

World leaders, ministers, First Nations peoples, scientists and other stakeholders will meet at the United Nations Oceans Conference in France (9th – 13th June), to decide on an action plan to protect the world’s oceans. It comes at a critical time for global ocean protection, and echoes calls from renowned conservationist David Attenborough in his new documentary “Ocean” – released online today – that “if we save the sea, we save our world.”

“Australia’s oceans are at a tipping point, facing rising threats from climate change, habitat loss and industrialisation,” said Adele Pedder, Marine Protected Areas Campaign Manager, Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS).

“While 52% of Australia’s oceans are in marine parks, only 24% of our waters are properly protected from extractive industries in highly protected sanctuaries and the most critical areas for marine life are under-represented.

“With coral bleaching on both coasts and marine heatwaves intensifying, Australians expect bold action and leadership at home.

“We urge the Albanese Government to work with First Nations, scientists, communities and stakeholders to ensure our marine sanctuaries are world-leading and science-based.”

* The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Australian Marine Conservation Society lead Save Our Marine Life, an alliance of 27 environmental organisations.

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