At present, the complex array of uses of the marine environment is not managed in an integrated way. Each group of users, such as government bodies, businesses, natural resource management groups and volunteers, is active in planning and managing various aspects of the marine environment and its resources but do so largely in the absence of a ‘big picture'.

There is a growing human ‘footprint' on the environment near major population centres and estuaries along the south coast, so there is a need for more integrated planning to help to ensure the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems is kept to a minimum.

Regional marine planning is a whole-of-government initiative that will integrate the contributions made by various sectors-and help provide the assurance that, when they are added up, the uses make a sustainable whole. It will seek to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the same range of benefits we currently derive from the marine environment. 

Aboriginal Grinding Stones

Through a partnership of Government, community and stakeholder groups, regional marine planning aims to establish and promote a scientifically robust framework that:

• enhances cooperation and integration between sectors;
• recognises the importance of social, cultural and economic values that the marine environment can provide for current and future generations; and
• protects and maintains ecological integrity and biological diversity.

The regional marine planning process will produce a strategic plan to better integrate the activities of the various marine sectors and to achieve protection, maintenance and sustainable use of the marine environment. The strategic plan will be based on the best available science but, at the same time, take into account the views of marine users. Government departments, agencies, maritime industries, non-Government organisations, community groups and the general public will all play a role in regional marine planning.

Whale Watching off Albany

At the State level, a policy framework for regional marine planning is to be prepared with input from stakeholders and scientists. A broad-based State marine policy stakeholder group, chaired by former EPA head Barry Carbon, has been established to provide advice to the government in formulating the policy framework. A reference panel of leading scientific experts will also be appointed to provide scientific advice to aid planning and policy development.

As regional marine planning gathers pace, a community education program will help to explain the new initiatives and encourage everyone to become involved in the future of WA's unique marine environment.