Australia's Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands declared one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries

Conservationists have welcomed the Federal Government’s declaration of two new marine parks off Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which together form one of the largest highly protected marine sanctuary areas in the world.

The marine parks, which have been co-designed and are supported by the local island communities, include marine sanctuaries covering around 739,000 square kilometres, an area bigger than Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT combined.

Christabel Mitchell, National Oceans Manager for The Pew Charitable Trusts notes “this is a truly historic moment for marine protection in Australia and for the global health of our oceans. Covering an area twice the size of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, these sanctuaries will provide an important safe haven for a wealth of Indian Ocean marine life that is under increasing pressure from industrial fishing, climate change and pollution.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are uniquely Australian and globally significant. The remoteness of the islands has helped to maintain their rich biodiversity and uniqueness. There’s nowhere like them on Earth.

“Healthy oceans and sustainable fishing are central to the Christmas and Cocos Islanders’ way of life, their culture and their livelihoods.”

Darren Kindleysides, Chief Executive of the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) adds “these new marine parks in Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories will make a major contribution towards international efforts to conserve our oceans in a network of highly protected areas.

“They will provide crucial protection for marine life in the region, including part of the only known spawning ground for critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna, as well as supporting local communities’ culture and aspirations.

“Christmas Island’s famous annual red crab migration was referred to as one of the 10 natural wonders of the world by David Attenborough. The island’s thriving rainforests, deserted beaches and fringing reef provide a haven for unique and rare seabirds, land crabs and marine life."

Kindleysides notes “The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are Australia's unspoiled tropical island paradise. Their azure waters are home to an incredible array of diverse marine life including tropical fishes, corals, turtles, manta rays and dolphins.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the government and the island communities to preserve this unique part of Australia, for our marine life and future generations."

Image top: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Black tip Reef Sharks CREDIT Gary Bell Ocean wide images; image centre; image centre Christmas Island Robber Crab CREDIT Gary Bell Ocean wide images; Image above: Christmas Island Whale Shark CREDIT Gary Bell Ocean wide images. All images Courtesy Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Parks announcement