Australia to create world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea



The Australian government has announced plans to create the world's largest marine nature reserve covering an area the size of Britain and France combined.

The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve will cover 989,842 square kilometres off the country's northeast coast which stretches from the Great Barrier Reef to Papua New Guinea in the north and the Solomon Islands in the east.

Recent research shows the area is home to dozens of endangered species and remains one of the last places on the planet thriving with large predatory fish such as sharks and tuna.

Teeming with life: The Australian Government have announced plans to create the world's biggest marine reserve in the Coral Sea

Groups of uninhabited islands which provide nesting sites for green turtles and rare seabirds will also be covered by the ban.

A 90-day public consultation period will take place during which time the government hopes to in finalise the proposals.

New regulations limiting fishing will be imposed and exploration for oil and gas will be prohibited completely.

However environment minister Tony Burke claims any new regulations will not affect recreational fishing as the reserve will start 37 miles from the coast. Only a limited amount of commercial fishing takes place in the area.

The waters are home to dozens of rare species including the green turtle and a vast array of rare corals



Mr Burke said: 'There is no other part of Australia's territory where so much comes together - pristine oceans, magnificent coral, a military history which has helped define us and now a clear proposal for permanent protection.

'The environmental significance of the Coral Sea lies in its diverse array of coral reefs, sandy cays, deep sea plains and canyons. It contains more than 20 outstanding examples of isolated tropical reefs, sandy cays and islands.



Untouched: Clusters of uninhabited islands provide vital breeding grounds for sea birds and other species

'Australia's vast oceans provide a source of food and resources and are a place of recreation. But we cannot afford to be complacent.'

The waters are also the resting place of three US navy ships sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.

However environmental groups complain that the restrictions do not go far enough.



Imogen Zethoven of the Pew Environment Group said: 'We welcome the exclusion of oil and gas extraction and the ban on fishing gear that destroys seafloor habitats.

'However, protection levels need to be stronger, particularly in vulnerable areas, to ensure the Coral Sea's long-term protection.'



