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Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve (renamed) - Management
Management
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MARINE USERS
Transitional arrangements for renamed marine reserves
From the declaration of Commonwealth marine reserves in November 2012 until new management plans come into effect in July 2014, there will be no changes to management arrangements for the renamed Commonwealth marine reserves that existed prior to the establishment of the new reserves. This includes Marine National Nature Reserves and Marine Parks, whether they continue to exist as discrete reserves or have been incorporated into larger new reserves.
- Transitional arrangements involve NO CHANGE ON THE WATER for marine users.
- If you hold an existing approval to undertake activities within the renamed Commonwealth marine reserves (Ashmore Reef, Cartier Island, Ningaloo and Mermaid Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserves), you are able to continue to operate under the terms of your existing approval.
- No additional administrative requirements apply.
Interim management arrangements
Interim management arrangements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for Ashmore commenced on 26 June 2009 following the expiry of the most recent management plan for the reserves. The interim management arrangements will continue unchanged until the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network management plan comes into effect.
Under the interim management arrangements, visitors to Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve will require approval to conduct certain activities from the Director of National Parks. These arrangements will remain in place until a new management plan is finalised for the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserve network.
General approvals - activities allowed under general approvals
Non-commercial fishing within Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Recreational fishing (for finfish for immediate consumption in the open area of Ashmore only) is allowed under a general approval (see below) and the associated conditions. An individual approval is not required for this activity.
- Approval of non-commercial fishing in Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve (PDF - 560 KB) | (RTF - 1590 KB)
Any other activities
An approval or permit may be required for some additional activities (for example, scientific research; commercial tourism operations). For further information please contact the department.
Other approvals may also be required under Part 13 of the EPBC Act.
Information for visitors
Ashmore Reef Nature Reserve and Cartier Island Marine Reserve - Information for Visitors describes the management arrangements for the renamed Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve and Cartier Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve and provides advice on how visitors, and other users of Ashmore and Cartier, should meet their obligations under the management arrangements.
Management plan
Approvals
General approval
The Director of National Parks has issued a general approval for all new areas added to the Commonwealth marine reserve estate in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network.
Activities must be carried out in accordance to the conditions under the general approval.
Management plan
A management plan for the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network has been developed in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This plan provides for the protection and conservation of each reserve by setting out how it will be managed, what activities will be allowed or prohibited and how this will be done. The management plan will address key aspects of management over the life of the plan (10 years). The management plan for the North-west Network will come into effect on 1 July 2014.
Former management plan
The former management plan for the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve expired on 25 June 2009. Transitional arrangements apply until the new management plan for the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network comes into effect.
Contact
Commonwealth Marine Reserves Branch
Parks Australia
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Edgar Waite Building
203 Channel Highway
Kingston TAS 7050
or
Email: marinereserves@environment.gov.au
Phone: 1800 069 352