FAQs

Marine parks are ocean-based parks similar to the land-based parks we all know and love. Like national parks, marine parks protect habitats, animals, plants, cultural heritage and geological formations.

Our marine parks protect thousands of iconic species such as Australian sea lions, leafy sea dragons, dolphins, great white sharks, little penguins and pelicans. They conserve places with strong cultural heritage associations, including those with special significance to First Nations peoples.

Southern Australia's waters are home to an amazing diversity of marine life, with about 85% of marine species found nowhere else in the world. Our seas provide employment through fisheries and tourism, and enjoyment to locals and visitors alike.

Unfortunately, our waters are not immune to global challenges such as pollution, resource use, development, pest organisms and climate change. Evidence from around the world shows that marine parks with sanctuary zones will help us protect our marine environment from increasing pressure. 

Marine park management plans are the main strategic documents used to manage marine parks in South Australia. They set the strategic direction, contain information on park values and threats, and outline the objectives and strategies for how parks will be managed.

A management plan amendment is created when changes are proposed to either outer boundaries of a marine park or changes to zones within the marine park. An amendment is an accompaniment to the original management plan.

Sanctuary zones are managed primarily for conservation. They are important areas where marine life will be able to live, breed and grow. They are also places that people can visit and enjoy, much like national parks on the land.

Sanctuary zones are areas of high conservation value set aside for conservation and low-impact recreation. No fishing is allowed in these zones, but diving, surfing and swimming is welcome. 

The draft amendments have been developed following a government-led review of marine park sanctuary zones, an independent report and extensive stakeholder consultation. 

The draft amendments have been carefully developed to strike a balance between access to important high-value fishing areas while also addressing environmental concerns.

Expanding the boundaries of the Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone may benefit reef habitats, local fish species and Australian sea lions that forage in the area. 

Shore fishing is not allowed in sanctuary zones unless it has been permitted through a ‘special purpose area’. 

A special purpose area is being proposed as part of the Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park Management Plan Amendment. This would allow shore-based fishing to continue within the extension area across Vivonne Bay.  

You can view the map of the proposed special purpose area in the draft management plan amendment. 

Yes. 

At the conclusion of the 6-week consultation period, feedback received will be collated, analysed and used to develop the final plan amendment.