To protect its marine fauna, Australia is creating a protected area like Germany

The Australian government plans to triple the size of the Macquarie Island Marine Park to strengthen measures to protect living and plant species.

Australia is more committed than ever to protecting its natural environment. mentioned as GuardianThe Australian government plans to triple the protected area of ​​Macquarie Island, home to millions of penguins and seals, in the coming months.

Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek described the project as a “significant global contribution to marine conservation”, with the protection zone extending to 388,000 km2 the size of Germany.

“Expanding and increasing the protection of the waters around Macquarie Island will allow us to better manage this critical ecosystem for the future,” explained Tanya Plibersek.

Upcoming public consultation

This ambition shown by the Australian Government will be subject to public consultation before being adopted. In a comprehensive plan, Tanya Plibersek promised that the Patagonian toothfish fishery would not be threatened, and that with the expansion of Macquarie Island Marine Park, almost half of Australia’s marine areas (48.2%) would be protected.

Located between Tasmania and Antarctica, Macquarie Island is the world’s most important feeding and breeding ground for seabirds. The 34 km long and 5 km wide area is home to many rare species such as king penguins, subantarctic fur seals and black seals. – Eyebrowed albatrosses.