Australia and Southern Ocean Protected Areas

There is a window of opportunity to capitalize on the political momentum in Australia to help move the world closer to the 30% sanctuary goal by 2030. Most of Australia’s federal marine parks are due for their 10-year review between now and 2028 and the new federal government has committed to make changes based on good science and consultation. With the third largest EEZ in the world, an established network of marine parks covering 45% of the EEZ, stable governance and financial capacity, Australia is well placed to become a global exemplar for 30x30.The imperative going forward is to increase no-take sanctuary protection of Australia’s EEZ to minimum scientific standards of 30% of habitats. This can be achieved by improving protection within existing marine park boundaries and expanding marine park coverage to fill key gaps in the network. Pew and AMCS’s vision for Australia is to increase no-take sanctuary protection to at least 30% of Australia’s EEZ by 2030, ensuring Australia’s oceans are afforded the high level of protection recognized by science and international standards for MPAs."