10 THINGS WE MUST DO NOW TO PROTECT AUSTRALIA’S OCEANS AND MARINE LIFE

Facts about Australia’s oceans and marine animals

• Australia’s marine ecosystem is rich with wildlife found nowhere else in the world. 
• Around 1,500 marine species, including turtles and whales, are at risk of global extinction.
• 52% of Australia’s waters are protected – but only 24% are highly protected marine sanctuary zones.
• Australia has committed to protecting 30% of oceans by 2030 (we are 6% away from this target).
• Ocean pollution, climate change and overfishing are major threats to our oceans and marine life.

A humpback whale begins her migration.

She travels thousands of kilometres through the oceans around Australia, guided by instinct, memory and the need to survive. 

Along the way, she faces dangers at every turn, entanglement in fishing nets, ship strikes, rising ocean temperatures and habitat loss.

Nearby, a green sea turtle swims her ancient route. But the ocean she depends on is changing. It’s warming. It’s littered with plastic. It’s becoming harder to survive.

These journeys have happened for generations. But now, those safe pathways are at risk.

Caring for the oceans that care for us

Our oceans amaze, sustain and connect us. When our oceans are healthy, we are healthy, and so is the wildlife we love.

From the iconic Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to our vast southern oceans, Australia’s marine ecosystem is rich with wildlife found nowhere else in the world. 

Every year, Australians flock to our coastlines to experience sun and surf and to have unforgettable encounters with turtles, whales, bottlenose dolphins and more.

But today, our oceans are overheating, overfished and polluted. From marine life in the ocean to coastal communities, everything is under pressure.

Overfishing is pushing fish populations to the brink of collapse, risking the health and livelihoods of coastal communities.

Nearly 1,500 marine species are at risk of extinction globally. Here in Australia, iconic species like whales, turtles and even dolphin populations are facing growing threats.

But together, we can change this. 

Why do we need to protect the ocean – and why now?

Oceans provide us with oxygen and food, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across the Pacific and around the world. 

The Oceania region, especially Australian waters, are at a critical turning point.

Australia is currently reviewing marine park management plans – a rare opportunity to strengthen ocean protection and protect the species that rely on it.

If we act now, we can secure a future where whales and turtles can migrate and give birth safely and oceans can continue to sustain life.

Whales, turtles and dolphins need safe “blue corridors” to survive 

Humpback whales migrate vast distances along Australia’s coast to feed, breed and play. Turtles travel between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Dolphins move through coastal and offshore habitats.

But these journeys are becoming more dangerous due to:

• Pollution in the ocean
• Discarded fishing gear and entanglement
• Ship strikes
• Habitat loss
• Climate change
• Noise pollution

Industrial noise and ship traffic are deafening and disorientating whales, driving them away from their ancient pathways and safe places. 

This is why we need marine sanctuaries and blue corridors – safeguarded ancient pathways that protect endangered marine life across entire migration routes.

What is a marine sanctuary and why are they important?

A marine sanctuary is a highly protected area where activities that remove marine life or resources, such as industrial fishing, are prohibited. 

They are protected by law and provide safe havens for marine wildlife and habitats to recover and thrive.

In marine sanctuaries:

• Ecosystems can rebuild.
• Species can reproduce safely.
• Marine animals can safely move through them as migration routes.

How much of Australia’s oceans are protected? 

Australia has marine protected areas (MPAs) covering 52% of its waters, including 24% designated as ‘highly protected’ marine sanctuaries.

The government is currently reviewing multiple marine park management plans, which presents a rare opportunity to strengthen ocean protection.

However, to protect the ocean and life within it, we must ensure at least 30% of Australia’s oceans are highly protected by 2030. 

What causes ocean pollution and how does it affect marine life?

Ocean pollution is the accumulation of harmful materials like plastics, chemicals and waste in our seas. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean from litter, runoff and poor waste management.

About three quarters of the rubbish found along Australia's coastline is plastic.

Plastic in the ocean is choking and killing marine life like whales, turtles, dolphins, seals and seabirds. 

Every year, thousands of animals suffer and die from plastic entanglement or by eating plastic debris. 

A polluted ocean is a major threat to sea turtles, whales and dolphins.

What action is needed to protect Australia’s oceans? 

To achieve meaningful ocean conservation, we need urgent action. Here are 10 things we must do now to protect Australia’s oceans:

1. Champion First Nations leadership for healthy Sea Country, healthy people.
2. Build a world-class marine park network in Australia’s oceans, including 30% marine sanctuaries.
3. Implement ‘blue corridors’ to protect our magnificent marine wildlife, like whales and turtles. 
4. Support and partner with other countries to protect at least 30% of oceans in our region.
5. Invest in building the resilience of coral reefs in the face of global heating.
6. Align Australia’s climate change policies with calls from Pacific Island leaders to reduce carbon emissions. 
7. Eliminate plastic pollution and shift our economy to one that protects, rather than harms, nature.
8. Lead and collaborate on high seas protection (oceans beyond national borders).
9. Support a stop on deep sea mining.
10. End overfishing and harmful fishing practices.

A shared vision for our oceans

WWF-Australia, with support from partners including Novotel, is working to safeguard oceans and create safe passage for marine megafauna.

Together, we aim to:

• Protect 100 million hectares of ocean in the southern hemisphere.
• Support mapping of whale migration and advocacy for high-value marine areas like Lord Howe Island.
• Recognise the critical role of Traditional Owners in protecting and managing the marine environment.

How can we save the whales and turtles in Australia?

If we want to enjoy these beautiful creatures for generations to come, we need to act now by:

• Strengthening Australia’s marine park management plans.
• Safeguarding migratory routes for whales, turtles, dolphins and marine wildlife.

This is a critical moment.

Raise your voice and call on the Australian government to create marine sanctuaries and protect at least 30% of our oceans by 2030.

We are just 6% short of this goal.

The journeys of whales, turtles and dolphins depend on what we do next

Our oceans give us so much. Now they need us.

We have a rare opportunity to strengthen protections, restore ocean health and secure a future where marine life can thrive. This is what you can do to help:

• Donate to protect our oceans.
• Sign the petition and add your voice to our government submission.
• Adopt a whale and support conservation.

Because when we protect our oceans, we protect everything they sustain.

Let’s share our big love for the big blue. Your support will make a difference. 

FAQs

What oceans surround Australia?

Australia is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Southern Ocean to the south.

Why are oceans important?

The ocean covers 70% of Earth's surface and 97% of all water on Earth is found in the ocean. Oceans sustain life on Earth. About half of Earth's oxygen comes from the ocean. When our oceans are healthy, humans and wildlife are healthy. 

What causes ocean acidification?

Our oceans play a critical role in protecting us from dangerous global heating and help stabilise our climate. They absorb a third of carbon dioxide emissions and over 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases.

However, this is making oceans warmer and more acidic, adding to sea level rises caused by melting polar ice. All this poses a major threat to life in the water and on land. 

What are “blue corridors” and why do they matter?

Blue corridors identify the migration pathways of whales and other marine life, and help guide efforts to reduce threats along these critical pathways. 

Why do humpback whales migrate? 

Humpback whales migrate to breed in warmer northern waters and feed in colder southern oceans, following long-established routes each year.

What do whales need to survive? 

Whales need healthy oceans, abundant food, clean water and safe, connected migration pathways free from threats like pollution, ship strikes and entanglement.

Are dolphins in danger? 

Some dolphin species are under threat due to pollution, habitat loss, fishing impacts and climate change, putting pressure on their survival in Australian waters.