A BLUEPRINT FOR AUSTRALIAN OCEANS LEADERSHIP

Our oceans give us life. They 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. Their future – and ours – depends on the health of our oceans. But human pressures like global warming, overfishing, industrial coastal developments, and pollution have a severe impact, causing rapid biodiversity loss and threatening Australia’s standing as a global leader in ocean conservation. The urgency has never been greater, we must take immediate action to restore and regenerate our oceans to safeguard the future of Australia’s marine species and the livelihoods of Pacific communities. Now is the time to answer the calls of Pacific leaders and communities. Together, we can take action to safeguard 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 blue corridor conservation for key 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 Blue Pacific community.
7. Eliminate plastic pollution and transition to a circular economy.
8. Lead and collaborate on high seas protection.
9. Support a moratorium on deep sea mining.
10. End overfishing and harmful fishing practices.