AUSTRALIA’S NEW MARINE PARKS
NEW MARINE PARKS ANNOUNCED
In May 2021, the Australian Government announced plans to create two new marine parks around its Indian Ocean territories, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. They will cover an area of 740,000sqkm, more than twice the size of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The precise levels of protection will be determined after consultation with community and local industry stakeholders.
Announcing the decision, Environment Minister Sussan Ley said, “The Christmas and Cocos Islands are international marine treasures on Australia’s doorstep, boasting some of the most fascinating and unique ecosystems on Earth. It is important that we protect these habitats and the species that rely on them.”
INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORIES
Christmas Island lies in the Indian Ocean, 1550km north-west of Exmouth, WA, and 350km from the south coast of Java, Indonesia. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands lie 980km west of Christmas Island. They are both Australian external territories, known collectively as the Indian Ocean Territories, under the legal and international jurisdiction of the federal government.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands were discovered in 1609 and, after annexation by Britain in 1857, formed part of the Colony of Singapore. The islands were transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia on 23 November 1955. Christmas Island was also part of Britain’s Singapore colony until it was acquired
