Australia will create a giant marine park closed to fishing and mining

On Sunday, June 4, the Australian government announced that it plans to create a giant marine park around the remote islands off its southeastern coast. The project aims to triple the area of ​​Macquarie Island Marine Park, which will bring the total area of ​​the protected area to 475,465 square kilometres, an area close to that of Spain.

These precautions mean that the area will be “Completely closed to fishing, mining and other extractive activities”According to Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersk. However, current fishing operations targeting the Patagonian toothfish, a carnivorous fish, may continue. Macquarie Island, located halfway between Australia and Antarctica, is home to king penguins, fur seals and the center of Antarctic science.

“Macquarie Island is an extraordinary place. It is a marvel of fauna and flora, and a perfect breeding ground for millions of seabirds, seals and penguins.”Minister highlighted. Environmental groups support the initiative, fearing the area could become a target for seabed mining and unsustainable commercial fishing.