Marine Protected Areas and Coastal Management in Australia

A bioregionalisation plan was established under the Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA). There are 60 bioregions which is a spatial framework for classifying Australia's marine environment... [ view full abstract ]

A bioregionalisation plan was established under the Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA). There are 60 bioregions which is a spatial framework for classifying Australia's marine environment ecologically and at a scale useful for regional planning and establishing Marine Protected Areas.
These bioregions are the basis for the development of a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA) and were used in some states. It is suggested that 14 IUCN biophysical design principles be used to obtain a representative system of MPAs. Once these MPAs are decided upon they should be zoned to manage specific activities and uses. Marine Sanctuary Zones or no-take zones are the most contentious mainly opposed by recreational and commercial fishers. Six more principles are introduced for selection of MSZs and the precautionary principle is considered.
Coastal management requires integration of all coastal stakeholders. Marine Spatial Management is non-existent in Australia and the system and process for environmental impact assessment is flawed and differs between states. There is no carrying capacity policy and activities are carried out on a case by case basis. The states have different policies and have jurisdiction for 5.5 km out to sea when Federal jurisdiction extends to 200 nautical miles.
Adaptive management of coastal areas requires on-going monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Monitoring requires baseline data including maps, an inventory of flora and fauna and a knowledge of the threats to which the coast is liable.
Particular questions to ask are: what does legislation tell you to do? What is the main objective— to inform management, to extend research or understanding or conserve biodiversity? How do you present your results? Who does what? (i.e. other agencies, research institutions, community). What is the nature of partnerships? (i.e. contracts, formal agreements, research grants).
Monitoring is done for assessment of State of the Environment reporting, integrated coastal zone management, pollution control of land and sea-based activities, detection of marine-based pollution, marine and coastal biodiversity assessment.