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Australia protects 1.2 million square miles of ocean

By Scuba Diving staff | Updated On January 30, 2017
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Australia protects 1.2 million square miles of ocean


Australia reef

Jon Whittle

Australia recently announced the world’s largest network of marine reserves, increasing the total number of protected areas from 27 to 60.

Preserving important aquatic environments around the entire continent, the new rules restrict fishing, as well as oil and gas exploration. Full protection has been given to a 194,000-square-mile section of the Coral Sea as a complete no-take marine reserve.

In a press release, Darren Kindleysides, director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said: “The tide turned in favor of our oceans. Tis is a landmark announcement for our seas.”

For more information, visit environment.gov.au.

Jon Whittle

Australia recently announced the world’s largest network of marine reserves, increasing the total number of protected areas from 27 to 60.

Preserving important aquatic environments around the entire continent, the new rules restrict fishing, as well as oil and gas exploration. Full protection has been given to a 194,000-square-mile section of the Coral Sea as a complete no-take marine reserve.

In a press release, Darren Kindleysides, director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said: “The tide turned in favor of our oceans. Tis is a landmark announcement for our seas.”

For more information, visit environment.gov.au.