10 THINGS WE NEED TO DO TO PROTECT AUSTRALIA’S OCEANS

By Richard Leck, Head of Regenerative Oceans, WWF-Australia

Australia: Our home, girt by sea and abounds in nature’s gifts of beauty rich and rare.

From the iconic World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef to our vast southern oceans, Australia’s marine ecosystem is rich with wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Every year, tourists flock to Australia’s coastlines to experience sun and surf, and to have unforgettable encounters with turtles, whales, dugongs and more.

Not only are our oceans rich with wildlife, but they also provide livelihoods for thousands of Australians and are a vital source to our country’s economy. The ocean also plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable climate by absorbing carbon.

But the perception that our oceans are immune to human impacts is a myth. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that many threats are severely impacting our marine ecosystems and wildlife—as well as countless communities who depend on a healthy ocean.

Climate change, destructive fishing practices, plastic pollution, growing ship traffic and industrial development are all impacting our marine ecosystems.

We are seeing these impacts right now. In 2023-24, coral bleaching occurred in at least 62 countries and territories worldwide. Last summer’s mass bleaching event will likely be the worst ever of its kind. In Australia, more than half of our shallow reef species have declined in numbers over the past decade.

Action on climate change is at the core of ocean protection, and we need to halt and reverse the unsustainable demands on our oceans. Without urgent action, Australia’s long-term well-being is at stake and populations across the Blue Pacific Continent (Oceania) face genuine threats to their future.

Australia was once a global leader in oceans conservation. We established one of the world’s first marine protected areas in 1879; were one of the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty; and were pioneers in establishing marine park and World Heritage protection for the Great Barrier and Ningaloo reefs.

Oceans are central to the stories of so many Australian communities, to our national identity and to our international reputation.

Yet over the years, we’ve seen the protection of our oceans declining. With less action being taken to reduce the threats pushing our marine ecosystems to the brink.

When elected in 2022, the current Australian Government set out a bold agenda for ocean protection and collaborative, sustainable oceans management.

From Sydney to Bali, from Canberra to Apia, and from New York to Lisbon, the Australian Government promised to ‘put the environment front and centre—back where it belongs’. Rightly framing nature protection as a human right, as well as an economic, foreign policy and security issue.

While some progress on those ocean commitments have been made, many remain in the planning stage, with no real urgency for action.

To help realise the Australian Government’s vision and regain our track record as a true world leader in oceans conservation, WWF-Australia launched a Blueprint for Australian Oceans Leadership late last year. The Blueprint sets out 10 areas for action and around 50 specific recommendations. Together, we can take action to protect marine ecosystems and secure a healthy future for oceans, people and nature.

We’ve outlined 10 key areas for action in a Blueprint for Australian Ocean Leadership:

1. First Nations leadership for healthy sea country, healthy people.

2. Working with other governments to protect at least 30% of oceans in our region.

3. Become a world leader in protected corridors for key marine species.

4. Build a world-class marine park in Australia.

5. Protect coral reefs in the face of global heating.

6. Invest in the future of the Pacific community.

7. Eliminate plastic pollution and shift our economy to one that protects, rather than harms, nature.

8. Lead and collaborate on high seas protection.

9. Support a stop on deep sea mining.

10. End overfishing and harmful fishing practices.

Oceans provide oxygen, food and support the livelihoods of millions of people across the Pacific and around the world. The Oceania region, especially Australian waters, are home to unique species that exist nowhere else on Earth.

WWF is determined to work with the next Australian Government to take immediate action to restore and regenerate our oceans, to safeguard the future of Australia’s marine species and the livelihoods of Pacific communities.

Our oceans need a champion—now is the time for Australia to truly step up.

You can help by joining our calls and urging our leaders to Choose Nature. Help Australia become a leader in ocean conservation, once again.