Meghan Hodges
Australia's oceans are among the most diverse in the world, with an estimated 33,000 marine species, and they are an essential part of the country's identity and health. However, they are under increasing threat from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. Coastal pollution in Australia is largely caused by land-based activities, with poor water quality and sediment quality being the most serious issues affecting its coastal and marine environments. In response to these threats, Australia has implemented various strategies, including the creation of marine parks, participation in international maritime organisations, and the development of coastal hazard management plans. While there is a lack of national coordination in coastal management, local governments are taking action, and community groups are spreading awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on Australia's precious marine life and environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marine pollution management | The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has implemented various regulations, such as the mandatory use of MARPOL Garbage placards for vessels over 12 meters and requirements for the transfer of oil cargoes. |
| Coastal management legislation | Half of the Australian states and territories have their own coastal management laws, while others incorporate coastal management into their planning and development control legislation. |
| Coastal restoration | The Australian Government has listed endangered and vulnerable coastal habitats under the EPBC Act. Coastal restoration is recognized as an important management tool, but it often occurs at a scale too small to address degradation. |
| Marine parks | Marine parks exist in all coastal states and territories, covering 36% of Australia's oceans. These parks contribute to health and equity, such as Indigenous connections and food security. |
| Climate change adaptation | Local governments are preparing coastal hazard management plans in anticipation of climate change impacts. However, there is a dominant focus on resilience rather than mitigation strategies. |
| Pollution sources | Land-based pollution, including freshwater runoff from stormwater and agricultural lands, contributes to up to 80% of marine pollution. Other sources include acid sulfate soils, ballast water, and marine debris. |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with plastic absorbing hazardous chemicals and posing risks to marine life and potentially human health. Bans on single-use plastics have been implemented in almost every state or territory. |
| Sustainable development | Australia's policies emphasize the need for sustainable water management and the protection of marine ecosystems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). |
| Indigenous involvement | Indigenous people are increasingly involved in coastal management, aiming to include their views and aspirations in strategic directions and policy development. |
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What You'll Learn
Marine pollution legislation and policy
Marine pollution is threatening some of Australia's most fragile habitats and endangered species. The country's coastal and marine environments are facing serious pollution issues, with poor water quality and sediment quality being the most detrimental. The 1995 State of the Marine Environment Report found that pollution from the land contributes to up to 80% of marine pollution, posing a significant threat to the long-term health of nearshore marine systems.
In response to these environmental concerns, the Australian government has implemented various policies and legislation to tackle marine pollution and protect its diverse marine ecosystems. Here is a detailed look at Australia's marine pollution legislation and policy:
Australia has taken a multifaceted approach to addressing marine pollution, incorporating national and state/territory legislation, as well as participation in international agreements.
National and State/Territory Legislation
Australia has strict legislation governing the use and protection of marine parks, which exist in all states and territories with coastal borders, covering 36% of the country's oceans. The EPBC Act, for example, lists many habitats and ecological communities as Endangered or Vulnerable. While there is no dedicated national coastal management legislation, individual states have their own coastal management laws, policies, and strategies, or incorporate coastal management into their planning and development control legislation.
International Agreements and Guidelines
Australia is a participant in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and has implemented guidelines and requirements consistent with IMO standards. These include the mandatory display of MARPOL Garbage placards on vessels over 12 meters and the adoption of global requirements for reporting lost commercial fishing gear. Australia also has ballast water management requirements that align with IMO guidelines to minimise the risk of translocating harmful aquatic species in ship ballast water.
Initiatives and Action Plans
The Australian government has launched several initiatives and action plans to address marine pollution proactively. The North-East Shipping Management Plan, for example, outlines a range of actions to address shipping-related pollution. Additionally, the National Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities aims to tackle pollution from land-based sources, recognising the significant contribution of land-based pollution to marine degradation.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Community engagement and awareness play a crucial role in Australia's marine pollution policies. The Australian Marine Conservation Society provides educational resources, posters, and guides to spread awareness about the impact of plastic on oceans and empower communities to take action. Many Australian container deposit schemes also allow individuals to donate their refunds to charities supporting these causes.
Indigenous Inclusion
Australia is working towards including Indigenous perspectives and aspirations in coastal management. Traditional Owners and Custodians are actively contributing to policy development and regulatory compliance, ensuring that their views are included in the strategic directions of coastal management.
Australia's comprehensive approach to marine pollution legislation and policy reflects its commitment to protecting its diverse marine environments and addressing the various threats posed by pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices. These policies aim to safeguard the health and sustainability of Australia's oceans and the well-being of the communities that depend on them.
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Managing plastic pollution
Marine plastic pollution is a global environmental issue, largely caused by the mass production of single-use disposable plastic items. Australia is both an emitter and receiver of plastic pollution to and from neighbouring countries.
According to CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, plastic pollution on Australian coastlines has decreased by 39% over the last decade. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that Australians are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on people, communities, and wildlife. The most prevalent plastic items found in a study of six metropolitan regions were polystyrene (24%) and cigarette butts (20%), followed by food wrappers, bottle lids, and caps. Plastic fragments were also commonly recorded.
To address plastic pollution, Australia has implemented bans on single-use plastics in almost every state or territory. These bans target the plastics most likely to end up in the oceans, such as plastic bags and balloons, which can be highly lethal to marine animals. Additionally, Australia is working with supermarkets to reduce plastic packaging and expose the link between plastic production and global warming.
However, there is a need for better governance and enforcement to regulate plastic disposal on a domestic and international level. Australia's plastic waste trade with Indonesia, in particular, has been identified as a major contributor to plastic pollution in Australian waters. To effectively manage plastic pollution, Australia should focus on reducing fossil fuel-based plastic production and improving waste management infrastructure and operations, both domestically and internationally.
Overall, managing plastic pollution requires a combination of policy changes, increased awareness, and international cooperation to ensure the appropriate management of shipped waste.
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Coastal habitat restoration
Australia's coastal habitats are under threat from multiple human stressors, including coastal development, pollution, and climate change. These stressors have led to extensive losses of vital coastal habitats such as seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and coral reefs. Coastal restoration is becoming an increasingly important management tool in Australia. However, it has been noted that restoration efforts are often done at scales too small to address degradation adequately.
One of the main challenges in Australia's coastal management is the lack of national coordination and integration due to complex governance structures and blocking mechanisms. While half of the Australian states and territories have their own coastal management legislation, policies, and strategies, the other half incorporates coastal management into their planning and development control legislation. This lack of cohesion can hinder effective restoration efforts.
To address this, the Australian Government has listed many endangered and vulnerable habitats under the EPBC Act. This provides legal protection and recognition for these habitats, allowing for more effective management and restoration strategies to be implemented. Additionally, local governments are preparing coastal hazard management plans and initiatives to address the anticipated effects of climate change, which is a crucial step in preserving and restoring coastal habitats.
Indigenous people also play a crucial role in coastal habitat restoration. Through their Traditional Owners and Custodians, Indigenous communities are working to build a foundational platform for their views and aspirations to be included in the full delivery agenda. While governance doors are starting to open for Indigenous people, they often lack the influence to drive change across all elements of coastal restoration.
Community education and advocacy are also essential components of coastal habitat restoration. Organisations like the Australian Marine Conservation Society and WWF-Australia are raising awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices on coastal habitats. These organisations are making strides in banning single-use plastics and advocating for better protections for marine life, which will contribute to the overall restoration of Australia's coastal habitats.
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Indigenous coastal management
Indigenous Australians have been managing their "Sea Country" for thousands of years. However, modern coastal Australia faces increasing pressures from population growth, fishing, industry, and coastal development. In response, Indigenous communities have developed their own strategies and initiatives, such as Sea Country plans, Healthy Country plans, and Indigenous Protected Area Management Plans (IPAMPs). These plans aim to address the various threats to marine environments, including coastal development and pollution of coastal waters.
One example of Indigenous coastal management in action is the partnership between the Bardi-Jawi Rangers and various organisations in the southern Kimberley region. Together, they research and monitor the fish fauna in the intertidal pools of Sunday Island, contributing to the management and conservation of the area.
In addition, there are currently 75 dedicated Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) across Australia, covering approximately 67 million hectares and accounting for more than 44% of the National Reserve System. IPAs are formed through voluntary agreements with the Australian Government and are areas of land and sea managed by Indigenous groups for biodiversity conservation. They bring environmental benefits, recognise the role of Traditional Custodians, create jobs within Indigenous communities, and link conservation with economic development.
The Australian government provides ongoing funding to support Indigenous land management practices and western methods. This funding has enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take on central roles in planning and decision-making processes in national parks while honouring their obligations to care for the country.
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Commercial fishing and shipping pollution
Australia has implemented various measures to address commercial fishing and shipping pollution, which are significant contributors to marine pollution. The country's marine industries encompass various activities, including commercial fisheries, shipping, and mineral extraction, all of which can impact the marine environment.
To combat this, Australia has a range of standards and regulations in place to protect its marine environment, ensuring compliance with international obligations. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, or MARPOL, plays a crucial role in minimizing pollution from ships and fishing vessels. This includes strict regulations on the discharge of garbage and oil into the sea, with penalties of up to A$17 million for shipowners and A$3.4 million for masters or fishing vessel operators who violate these regulations. The Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 is the primary Commonwealth legislation enforcing these rules.
Additionally, Australian laws apply to foreign fishing vessels within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. Fishing vessel operators are required to maintain a garbage record book or ship's log, recording the discharge or loss of fishing gear and garbage. They are also responsible for minimizing oil pollution, with specific requirements for vessels over 400 gross tonnage.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is pivotal in enforcing these regulations and addressing marine pollution. They provide guidelines for managing garbage on domestic commercial vessels and emphasize individual responsibility in preventing pollution. AMSA also works with other government agencies and participates in organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address issues such as ballast water, biofouling, and shipping operations pollution.
Furthermore, local governments are preparing coastal hazard management plans to address the anticipated effects of climate change, which is a significant driver of pollution through freshwater runoff. Marine parks, designated for long-term protection and conservation, exist in all Australian states and territories with coastal borders, covering 36% of Australia's oceans. These parks contribute to health, equity, and the connection of Indigenous people to the country.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1995 State of the Marine Environment Report found that pollution from the land contributes up to 80% of all marine pollution. This includes runoff from stormwater and agricultural lands, as well as toxins from acid sulfate soils exposed to oxygen.
Australia has implemented various policies and strategies to address coastal pollution. This includes strict legislation governing the use of marine parks, participation in international maritime pollution policy groups, and the development of national responses to assess coastal management risks associated with climate change. However, there is currently no national coastal management legislation or policy, and integration of various state and local approaches remains a challenge.
Australia has successfully banned single-use plastics in almost every state or territory. Additionally, the country has implemented container deposit schemes and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the impact of plastic on the oceans.
Coastal pollution poses significant risks to human health and well-being. It can contaminate seafood with toxins, compromise food security, and lead to psychological stress from damage to revered ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.
