310,000KM2 EXPANSION OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST REMOTE MARINE RESERVE IS WELCOME, BUT STRONGER PROTECTIONS NEEDED

WWF-Australia has welcomed a decision to quadruple the size of Australia’s most remote marine reserve, but said the government had missed an opportunity to protect critical foraging grounds for penguins, fish and seabirds.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today announced a 310,000 km2 expansion of the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park.

Located in the Southern Ocean about 4,100 km southwest of Perth, Heard and McDonald Islands provide vital feeding and breeding grounds for Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, macaroni penguins, albatross and fish. Sixteen species of baleen and toothed whales can also be found in the region.

WWF-Australia’s Head of Oceans, Richard Leck welcomed the decision to expand the marine reserve, but said strong protection was still missing for many key conservation areas.

“It’s great to see the Australian Government making important strides towards its commitment to protect and conserve at least 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030,” said Mr Leck.

“Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot and one of the world’s largest coastal nations, so it’s important that we do some of the heaviest lifting to care for our precious marine ecosystems and the species they call home.

“The decision to upgrade protection for Heard and McDonald Islands is very welcome, and we are pleased to see the protection of Gunnari Ridge strengthened following a public consultation.

“Unfortunately the final zoning plan has a missed an opportunity to deliver full protection for some of the islands’ highest priority conservation areas.

“The plan fails to give the strongest protection to several key features, which provide critical habitat for macaroni penguins, king penguins, black-browed albatross, Antarctic fur seals, and whales.

“Seamounts – underwater mountains – remain under-protected, and around 90% of king penguin foraging habitat is not included in fully protected zones.

“Without increased protection, these critical foraging grounds will remain exposed to pressures like commercial fishing.”

The release of the final zoning plan follows a public consultation period during which nearly 12,000 WWF supporters called on the Australian Government to expand Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve and increase protections from industries like fishing.

“The federal government demonstrated that Australia can show leadership in providing science-based protection for marine wildlife with its zoning plan for Macquarie Island,” said Mr Leck.

“It’s disappointing the government has missed an opportunity to increase sanctuary zones around Australia’s other subantarctic territory and provide the strongest and most effective protection for one of the last truly wild places on Earth.”