Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes WA Government commitments for Exmouth Gulf Marine Park.
A Landmark Commitment to the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park
The Australian Marine Conservation Society, Protect Ningaloo campaign has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s announcement that it will create a marine park across the whole of Exmouth Gulf – one of Australia’s natural wonders – to protect it for future generations
The commitment is a key part of the Government’s response to recommendations from the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce on the future protection and management of Exmouth Gulf Marine Park.
The Taskforce was established following the WA Environmental Protection Authority’s landmark assessment in 2021 that the Gulf needed conservation measures as a priority. The Taskforce made a number of key recommendations designed to safeguard the natural and cultural values of this globally significant environment, which also has strong ecological linkages to Ningaloo Reef.
Safeguarding a Globally Significant Ecosystem
Paul Gamblin, CEO of Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and Director of Protect Ningaloo, was a member of the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce and advocated for urgent protection for the whole of Exmouth Gulf, which is renowned for its resting humpback whale mothers and calves, dugongs, dolphins, rare sawfish, corals, sponge gardens, and more. Exmouth Gulf forms a crucial part of Ningaloo’s famed nature-based tourism economy. For those looking to experience this underwater world firsthand, this comprehensive Ningaloo Reef dive guide offers insights into the best sites and seasonal marine life encounters.
“We strongly support this announcement and look forward to the establishment of a marine park that will be jointly managed with Nyinggulu Traditional Owners. We know the broad community in Exmouth and across WA will enthusiastically welcome the creation of a marine park across Exmouth Gulf and feel the same sense of deep pride in it as it does with the Ningaloo Marine Park,” he said.
“AMCS Protect Ningaloo has called for a whole-of-Gulf marine park for some years, and the need for a marine park is even more urgent following the devastating impacts from the 2024-25 severe marine heatwave on the Gulf’s corals and seagrass meadows. Marine conservation in an accelerating climate emergency requires serious efforts both to reduce carbon emissions and to manage direct pressures, to build resilience.
“We commend the government for setting a minimum level of 30% fully protected areas in the new marine park, which is now the global standard.”
The WA Government has also previously committed to establishing Class A reserves at Qualing Pool, right next to the site of a proposed industrial port, and other key areas. AMCS Protect Ningaloo now calls for the Government to act with urgency on all these commitments to end the decade of uncertainty from the threat of successive industrial proposals, including the current port proposal.
Protect Ningaloo is also pleased that the Government has indicated support for other key Taskforce recommendations, including supporting national and world heritage listing assessments, and other complementary protection mechanisms to improve integrated protection of the Gulf.
Joint Management and the Future of Conservation
Protect Ningaloo strongly supports resourcing Traditional Owners represented by the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation (NTGAC) to be empowered and have capacity to fulfill their aspirations to care for this special land and sea Country.
“We hope today’s strong commitment to Exmouth Gulf’s protection is also a signal that the WA Government will begin to steer a conservation-oriented approach in this term of government. The community at large identifies strongly with the natural environment and is calling for urgent action. Premier Roger Cook has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to demonstrate how WA can lead the nation and the world by showing how genuine conservation efforts, strong nature laws and real action on climate can underpin a resilient, future-focused economy that serves the community,” said Mr Gamblin.
“AMCS Protect Ningaloo now calls for the Government to act with urgency on all these commitments to end the decade of uncertainty from the threat of successive industrial proposals, including the current port proposal”
FAQs
Why is a marine park being created in Exmouth Gulf?
The park is being established to safeguard the Gulf’s globally significant natural and cultural values. Following a 2021 EPA assessment and recommendations from the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce, the park aims to protect vital habitats for humpback whales, dugongs, and rare sawfish from industrial threats and climate change.
What species will the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park protect?
Exmouth Gulf is a critical nursery and resting ground for humpback whale mothers and calves. It also supports significant populations of dugongs, dolphins, rare sawfish, turtles, and diverse sponge and coral gardens.
How will the new marine park be managed?
The Western Australian Government has committed to joint management of the marine park with the Nyinggulu Traditional Owners, represented by the Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation (NTGAC), ensuring cultural knowledge guides conservation efforts.
What is the “30% protection” target mentioned?
The WA Government has set a minimum level of 30% for “fully protected areas” within the new marine park. This aligns with international conservation standards aimed at building ecosystem resilience against climate-related events, such as marine heatwaves.
How does this announcement affect the local Ningaloo economy?
By protecting the natural integrity of the Gulf, the government is securing the foundation of the region’s nature-based tourism economy. This move provides long-term certainty for local businesses that rely on the health of the Ningaloo Reef ecosystem.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
Subscribe today with promo code DIVE1 — enjoy 12 months for just £1!
