TNC welcomes Sustainable Ocean Plan and calls for mechanisms to turn ambition into action

The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) has welcomed the Australian Government's Sustainable Ocean Plan, saying its focus on protection, restoration and resilience provides an important foundation for a future where healthy oceans are recognised as essential to Australia's economy, communities, culture and way of life.

The Plan commits to protecting at least 30 per cent of Australia’s ocean at a high level by 2030, establishing a national framework to accelerate restoration and adaptation of coastal and ocean ecosystems, strengthening ocean governance and advancing ocean-based climate solutions.

TNC said the Plan reflects many of the priorities raised during the consultation process and, importantly, recognises restoration as central to Australia’s future.

TNC Director of Conservation Tim Cronin said the Plan recognised the scale of Australia’s responsibility as an ocean nation.

“Australia manages one of the world’s largest marine estates. Our ocean economy is worth $229 billion annually and supports more than 700,000 jobs, while our identity and quality of life are intrinsically linked to the health of our oceans. Our leadership in protecting their future must match this importance.

“We strongly support the Plan’s commitment to establish a national framework to accelerate restoration and adaption, and the recognition of restoration alongside fishing, aquaculture, tourism, shipping and energy as an important part of our ocean economy.

“Through Reef Builder, we have seen what investment in restoration can deliver, with a $20 million investment restoring more than 40 hectares of shellfish reef, while creating 425 employment opportunities across coastal communities.

“We are also pleased to see the Plan move beyond broad support for the High Seas Treaty and commit to developing a priority high seas marine protected area proposal in Australia's region.”

Michael O’Neill, TNC’s Government Relations Director said recent marine events have demonstrated the urgent need to invest in healthier, more resilient marine ecosystems and stronger restoration capacity.

“Oceans are not only an environmental asset, but one of Australia's most important pieces of economic and natural infrastructure.

“The devastating harmful algal bloom that impacted South Australia’s coastline underscored why restoration and resilience must become core pillars of ocean policy.

“The Plan, alongside the recent Senate inquiry’s call for substantial funding for large-scale, long-term marine restoration and resilience, sends a clear signal: a thriving ocean economy depends on healthy marine ecosystems,” O’Neill said.

Mr Cronin said the opportunity now was to move from recognising the importance of restoration to delivering it at scale, including across Australia’s temperate marine and coastal environments.

"The Plan gets much of the architecture right. The next challenge is ensuring the investment, partnerships and delivery mechanisms are in place to match that ambition.

"Long-term investment in marine restoration, practical pathways to attract private and philanthropic capital, and clear restoration targets will be critical if Australia is to realise the full environmental, social and economic benefits of a healthy ocean.

"We look forward to working with governments, First Nations partners, industry, researchers, investors and communities to turn these commitments into practical action that restores nature, strengthens coastal economies and delivers lasting benefits for future generations," Cronin said.