Coasts and marine

Montara oil spill
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is responsible for ensuring the implementation of a plan of action to help any wildlife that might be affected by the Montara oil spill in Commonwealth waters and to respond to any possible impacts in Commonwealth marine reserves in the region. A long-term scientific environmental monitoring program has been agreed between the Australian Government and the company responsible for the rig, PTTEP Australasia.

More information
Report Wildlife: if oil affected wildlife is observed in Commonwealth waters please send details to report.wildlife@environment.gov.au Please report wildlife found in State waters to the Oil Pollution hotline on 08 9480 9924

Marine Bioregional Planning

Marine Bioregional Plans are currently underway for each of Australia's five marine regions. Four Marine Bioregional Profiles are now available - South-West, North-west, North and East Marine Bioregional Profile.

The Coral Sea Conservation Zone was established in May 2009 and provides interim protection to the area while it is being assessed for possible inclusion in one or more Commonwealth marine reserves through the marine bioregional planning process.

East Marine Bioregional Plan
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has approved a six month extension for the development of the East Marine Bioregional Plan
Find out more