Australia Expands Subantarctic Marine Reserve Fourfold

This expansion makes Australia the global leader in ocean conservation, protecting over half of its marine territories.

Australia has increased the size of the marine reserve around the Heard and McDonald Islands by nearly 310,000 square kilometers.
The expansion means 52% of Australia's oceans are now protected, surpassing the UN's 2022 conservation target of 30%.
The protected area includes glaciers, wetlands, and the country's only active volcanoes, supporting diverse wildlife like penguins and albatrosses.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted the region's status as a pristine wilderness with minimal human impact.
This initiative marks the largest marine conservation effort globally this year, offering significant environmental benefits.