Australia plans to create world's largest network of marine parks

PanARMENIAN.Net - Australia on Thursday, June 14 announced plans to create the world's largest network of marine parks to protect ocean life, with limits placed on fishing and oil and gas exploration off the coast, AFP reports.

The new reserves would cover 3.1 million square kilometers (1.2 million square miles), or more than one-third of Australian waters, taking in significant breeding and feeding grounds.

The announcement, after years of planning and consultation, came ahead of the Rio+20 summit on sustainable development next week in Brazil, which Environment Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Julia Gillard will attend.

"It's time for the world to turn a corner on protection of our oceans," Burke said in the lead-up to the meeting, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit that declared the environment a priority.

"And Australia today is leading that next step. This new network of marine reserves will help ensure that Australia's diverse marine environment, and the life it supports, remain healthy, productive and resilient for future generations."

The network will increase the number of reserves from 27 to 60, expanding protection of creatures such as the blue whale, green turtle, critically endangered populations of grey nurse sharks, and dugongs.

The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed the reserves initiative, calling it "a historic achievement", but said it was concerned that some areas remained under threat.

"Although the reserve network bans oil and gas exploration in the Coral Sea, the northwest region has been left vulnerable to these threats," said chief executive Don Henry.

The Wilderness Society called the announcement a first step, and said it was "clear that further marine sanctuaries will need to be put in place".

The Australian Marine Alliance, which has conducted a cost analysis, claims 60 regional communities will be affected, 36,000 jobs lost and 70-80 trawler operators displaced, while the cost of seafood imports will soar.

Aus$100 million in compensation would be available to the fishing industry.

A final consultation period of 60 days is now scheduled with the new reserves expected to be officially declared before the end of the year.