This article was written with the assistance of AI.
The recent NSW Marine Parks Forum brought together government representatives, scientists, conservation organisations, community advocates, Indigenous leaders, dive tourism operators, recreational fishing representatives, and other stakeholders to explore how New South Wales can contribute to the global 30×30 target — protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.
A central theme throughout the Forum was the growing need for stronger collaboration across sectors at a time when marine conservation policy is entering a critical window. Participants noted that state and Commonwealth marine planning processes are now aligning, creating an important opportunity to strengthen protection across NSW waters and the broader Temperate East Marine Region. The Forum also highlighted the importance of meaningful Indigenous engagement and governance, ensuring future marine planning supports Indigenous aspirations for Caring for Country.
The most significant outcome of the forum was Environment Minister Penny Sharpe signalling that the NSW Government intends to address longstanding marine planning deficiencies by aligning the upcoming marine parks and aquatic reserves review process with NSW’s Plan for Nature — the state’s pathway for delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework and a Nature Positive future. This is particularly significant given NSW has gone backwards in marine protection since 2011.
The Minister indicated that the Government reaffirms conservation as the primary objective of marine parks and will apply a science-based CAR approach (Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative) to future planning. Together, these commitments suggest that achieving a meaningful 30×30 outcome for marine protection in NSW is now genuinely possible — including the expansion of highly protected marine sanctuaries and improved ecological representation.
Scientific presentations highlighted the growing pressures facing marine ecosystems in south-east Australia, which was repeatedly described as a global ocean warming hotspot. Speakers outlined how the region is experiencing rapid ocean warming and increasingly frequent marine heatwaves. These changes are already driving major ecological impacts, including the decline of kelp forests and seagrass habitats, coral bleaching events, and the redistribution of marine species further south.
A key finding of the forum was that current levels of marine protection are not sufficient to maintain ecosystem resilience under accelerating climate pressures. Strong scientific consensus emerged around the importance of no-take marine sanctuaries, which were described not only as conservation tools, but also as essential infrastructure for long-term fisheries sustainability. Marine sanctuaries provide breeding refuges, support biodiversity recovery, and help maintain healthier fish populations. Science consistently shows they lead to bigger fish, more of them, and healthier marine ecosystems both inside and beyond sanctuary boundaries over time.
Another major issue discussed was the importance of ecological connectivity. Presenters emphasised that healthy marine systems depend on connected habitats spanning estuaries, coastal reefs, and offshore environments. However, current management approaches are often fragmented across jurisdictions and ecosystems, weakening conservation outcomes. Participants argued that future marine planning must take a far more integrated approach that recognises the interconnected nature of marine environments.
Governance challenges were identified as one of the biggest barriers to effective marine protection in NSW. Concerns were raised about fragmented governance arrangements, including joint decision-making responsibilities across portfolios, and the marine parks and aquatic reserves management team sitting within a resource-focused department rather than an environmental portfolio. Participants argued this has contributed to delayed marine park management plans and the absence of a clear statewide strategy for achieving 30×30. Many attendees, including Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, called for marine park management to be more closely aligned with environmental agencies and supported by clearer, more transparent planning processes.
The Forum also explored the importance of social licence and public communication. While differing views remain across stakeholder groups, there was broad agreement that support for marine protection can grow when discussions focus on shared benefits. A notable shift in framing emerged during discussions — from viewing marine protection as “locking areas up” to recognising it as a strategy for securing future fisheries, strengthening climate resilience, supporting tourism economies, and protecting places that communities value.
Several clear calls to action emerged from the forum. Participants urged NSW to commit to at least 30% highly protected marine sanctuaries and move beyond incremental reforms toward a more comprehensive redesign of marine protection systems. There was also strong support for expanding sanctuary networks to better represent different habitats, strengthen ecological connectivity, and improve resilience in the face of climate change.
The upcoming Commonwealth Temperate East Marine Park review was identified as a major opportunity for coordinated action. Stakeholders were encouraged to actively engage in both state and federal marine planning processes and continue building broad coalitions involving scientists, conservation groups, tourism operators, fishers, Traditional Owners, and local communities.
While the forum was not a decision-making body, it concluded with a strong sense of momentum and shared purpose. The overall message was clear: the science is well established, the tools for protection already exist, and the challenge now lies in governance, implementation, and coordinated action to achieve 30 by 30 in NSW.
NPA thanks all speakers, facilitators, organisers, volunteers, and participants for contributing to a successful and constructive forum.