The remote Exmouth Gulf is about two hours north of Ningaloo, in one of WA’s most important ecological zones. Photo: Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Western Australia’s Government is set to establish a new marine park encompassing the entire Exmouth Gulf to protect a globally significant habitat.
A key recommendation of the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce’s final report, the park will provide protected habitat for nursing humpback whales and their calves, a world-important population of dugongs, Australian humpback dolphins and various marine turtle species.
The area is also a global hotspot for endangered species such as sawfish and wedgefish, in addition to at least 11 species of sea snakes, two of which were previously thought extinct. Several migratory shorebird species also use the area.
“My government is committed to protecting and restoring our land and oceans because we want future generations to be able to enjoy the economic and lifestyle benefits of our natural environment,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“Exmouth Gulf is one of the most extraordinary and unique marine ecosystems on the planet and it deserves the highest level of protection.”
Exmouth Gulf also has significant importance to humans, with Aboriginal culture and heritage in the area traceable to at least 40,000 years ago.
To ensure the long-term health of the gulf’s ecosystems and the viability of important industries in the area, such as tourism, defence and fishing, the government has proposed that at least 30 per cent of the park be designated a no-catch zone.
The zoning framework, which manages these competing environmental, social and economic uses, will:
- Ensure existing managed commercial fishing continues
- Honour commitments for high protection over the eastern and southern gulf
- Support sustainable tourism and recreational use
- Allow for sustainable economic development of the area.
“The zoning plan will strike the right balance – protecting critical habitats and cultural sites while allowing sustainable fishing, tourism and economic activity to continue,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.
In addition, $5 million will be invested to expand the Healthy Oceans Program, doubling the commitment made at the 2025 state election. The investment will fund a grant program to support coral restoration trials and research into ways to restore coral systems along the WA coast, to help recover from the marine heatwave earlier this year.
The government has highlighted its environmental credentials, which include:
- Ceasing native forest logging
- Creating more than 6.5 million hectares of new national parks, marine parks and conservation areas
- Achieving World Heritage listing for Murrujuga
- Creating the South Coast Marine Park.
The Exmouth Gulf Park contributes to the national target of protecting nearly a third of Australia’s land and marine areas by the end of the decade, in line with international conservation goals.
