North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network
Zoning and activities
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MARINE USERS
Transitional arrangements for new areas added to the Commonwealth marine reserve estate
From the declaration of Commonwealth marine reserves in November 2012 until management plans come into effect in July 2014, transitional arrangements apply.
- Under the transitional arrangements, there are NO CHANGES ON THE WATER for users of new areas added to the Commonwealth marine reserves estate.
- NOTE: There are no changes to management arrangements in the marine reserves that existed prior to the establishment of the new reserves, that is, the same restrictions on activities will continue to apply even where those reserves have been incorporated into new reserves.
Zoning and activities allowed in new areas
Six types of zones are represented in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network:
- Sanctuary Zone (IUCN Category Ia)
- Marine National Park Zone (IUCN Category II)
- Recreational Use Zone (IUCN Category IV)
- Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN Category IV)
- Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI)
- Special Use Zone (Ports) (IUCN Category VI)
From 17 November 2012 and until the network management plan is in effect, there are no 'on-the-water' changes for users of new areas added to the Commonwealth marine reserve estate. The below activity table provides general advice on zoning and allowed activities that will apply once the management plan comes into effect on 1 July 2014.
Download zoning activity scheme
- Zoning activity scheme - Overview of Zoning Scheme for the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network (PDF - 151 KB) | (Word - 397 KB)
Activities allowed in renamed reserves
Information on the transitional arrangements in place for areas within the four renamed Commonwealth marine reserves within the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network is available on the individual reserve web pages:
- Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters) (renamed)
- Mermaid Reef National Nature Reserve (renamed)
- Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve (renamed)
- Cartier Island Marine Reserve (renamed)