Marine reserve information

A marine reserve is the government’s most comprehensive tool in the provision of area-based biodiversity protection in the marine environment. However, it is important to remember that marine reserves are not a panacea for all threats to the marine environment, integrated land and sea management is essential.

Marine reserves are specified areas of the sea and foreshore that are managed to preserve them in their natural state as the habitat of marine life for scientific study. Marine reserves may be established in areas that contain underwater scenery, natural features, or marine life of such distinctive quality, or so typical, beautiful or unique that their continued preservation is in the national interest.

Within a marine reserve, all marine life is protected and fishing and the removal or disturbance of any living or non-living marine resource is prohibited, except as necessary for permitted monitoring or research. This includes dredging, dumping or discharging any matter or building structures.

The public is welcome and encouraged to enjoy marine reserves. In all marine reserves you may: dive, snorkel, take photos, swim, kayak, anchor (with care), navigate through, picnic on the beach, build sand castles, investigate in rock pools etc.