Marine Conservation Leadership: Does Australia Deserve a Spot on the Podium?

Carissa Klein, Kate Becker, David Carrasco Rivera, Madelinee Davey, Rosa Dominguez Martinez, Hedley Grantham, Benjamin Lucas, Hugh Possingham, Leslie Roberson, Ama Wakwella , Amelia Wenger , James Watson

Australia’s marine biodiversity is unmatched, and its conservation has been prominently championed over the past three decades by successive Federal and State governments, who have consistently portrayed the nation as a global leader in marine protection. Here, we question whether this reputation is justified. We highlight substantial—and in some cases catastrophic—declines in marine species and ecosystems, linked to failures in marine protected area placement and management, fisheries policy, climate change, and water quality regulation. We argue that Australia must strategically expand its network of marine protected areas, prioritising regions critical for biodiversity and ensuring effective management. This must be complemented by robust policies that promote the sustainable production and consumption of seafood and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change and pollution. Only through such comprehensive and coordinated action can Australia genuinely claim a leadership role in global marine conservation.