World Oceans Day: Australia leading the way at UN Ocean Conference

Today marks World Oceans Day, a reminder of the importance of our oceans, and the need for every Australian to do our bit to protect them.

Healthy oceans are critical to Australia’s environment, economy and wellbeing - they are central to our way of life, our jobs and industries, our culture, security and food security.

Starting tomorrow, Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt will represent the Australian Government at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France.

UNOC is a meaningful opportunity for Australia to demonstrate our world-leading ocean protection credentials and to join forces with global leaders on sustainable oceans management.

In his first major international engagement in the portfolio, Minister Watt will set the direction for Australia to make further progress on ocean protection, in addition to speaking at a series of high-level events on Australia's commitment to key initiatives such as the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, the global plastics treaty negotiations, and to managing 100 percent of our ocean sustainably to underpin our thriving and growing ocean economy.

At UNOC Minister Watt will also deliver Australia’s National Statement to more than 140 countries participating in the meeting.

He will attend panel events hosted by countries including Brazil and our Pacific neighbours that will have a strong focus on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.

Minister Watt said the Albanese Government is committed to sharing our knowledge and learning from others when it comes to protecting our oceans.

“Through our first term, the Albanese Government made great strides in protecting our oceans and since the last UNOC in 2022, we’ve expanded our marine protected areas to more than 50 percent, far exceeding the global target of 30 percent,” Minister Watt said.

"Australia currently leads the world in the total area of ocean that is highly protected, but we want to go further.

"It's clear that Australia can achieve 30 percent of our marine protected area estate in highly protected areas by 2030 and a three-year review of our remaining 44 marine marks will lay the foundation for this. The first step will be consultation with key stakeholders over the coming months.

"In addition, one of the key items for discussion at UNOC3 is the ratification of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, which provides greater environmental protection for seas beyond national borders.

"At UNOC3, I will announce that Australia will introduce enabling legislation for the Treaty in the Spring sitting of Parliament, with ratification of the Treaty as soon as possible after that."

Australia has co-led the UN process to prepare for the first meeting of the new High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, once it comes into force.

Australia also co-led the process to develop the UN Ocean Conference political declaration, and is chairing the International Whaling Commission, with its next meeting in Australia next year.

“All Australians understand the importance of the ocean. It’s at the heart of our national identity and it connects us with our region and the rest of the world," Minister Watt said.

“Australia is a world leader in ocean protection, working domestically and with our Pacific and Indian Ocean neighbours to protect this precious and incredibly important shared resource.

“We will continue to show leadership and partner with others to protect our shared ocean by delivering our national Sustainable Ocean Plan.”

UNOC happens every 3 years to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNOC3 takes place from 9 to 13 June, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.