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Australia Aims to Protect 524,000 km² of Ocean by 2030

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Australia's federal environment minister Murray Watt announced plans to protect an additional 523,980 square kilometers of ocean, aiming for 30% under high protection by 2030.
The plan seeks to reverse Abbott-era downgrades that opened over 1 million square kilometers to fishing.
Conservationists, including Richard Leck of WWF Australia, see it as a chance to rectify mistakes.
The review will prioritize the Coral Sea and Temperate East, with completion by mid-2028.

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Story summary

Australia's federal environment minister Murray Watt announced plans to protect an additional 523,980 square kilometers of ocean, aiming for 30% under high protection by 2030.
The plan seeks to reverse Abbott-era downgrades that opened over 1 million square kilometers to fishing.
Conservationists, including Richard Leck of WWF Australia, see it as a chance to rectify mistakes.
The review will prioritize the Coral Sea and Temperate East, with completion by mid-2028.