Environment Minister Vicky Darling has called on the Australian Government to increase protection for the Coral Sea's virtually untouched reefs, deep sea plains and canyons and significant heritage areas.

Ms Darling was in Townsville and Magnetic Island today and discussed Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea protection measures with local community members and conservation groups.

"A marine park off the Great Barrier Reef in Commonwealth waters could cover nearly one million square kilometres of marine wonderland - potentially making it the world's largest protected marine area.

"This is one of the most bio-diverse marine environments in the world.

"This proposal could considerably boost the protection given to Queensland's coastal waters via the Commonwealth's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and state marine parks and enhance Queensland and Australia's international reputation for world-class marine area management," Ms Darling said.

"While this is a Commonwealth initiative, I will be looking to work with my Federal colleagues to put forward the Queensland Government's points of view on the proposal.

"I know there has been discussion and debate happening for some time about this pristine area's future - I think we would all now like to see the Commonwealth lay their cards.

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said the Coral Sea had high biodiversity values and supported diverse coral reefs, atolls, deep sea plains and canyons and was home to sharks, tuna, billfish, turtles, seabirds and a range of other ecologically important species.

"The Coral Sea is also home to a number of historic shipwrecks and of major naval conflicts of World War II and has important heritage significance," Ms Johnstone said.

"The area also includes small scale commercial, recreational and charter fishing, tourism, and shipping activities.

"We need to ensure we balance the community's and economy's need for these to continue, while preserving the ecology of the area in perpetuity."

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the Coral Sea was declared a Conservation Zone in May 2009 to provide interim protection while the area was being assessed for possible inclusion in a Commonwealth marine reserve.

"If the proposal is accepted, the marine park would cover a diverse area from the Torres Strait to south of Rockhampton, with an eastern border well beyond the current Great Barrier Reef Marine Park," Ms Boyle said.

"Declaring the area a marine park would enhance and conserve biodiversity in the region."

Ms Darling said the combination of the Coral Sea with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and state marine parks was an important step in helping to conserve Queensland and Australia's marine biodiversity.

"The proposed marine park would also provide a connection from Queensland's more than 8 million hectares of protected areas on land to the edge of Australian waters," Ms Darling said.

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

18/11/2011