Like national parks on land,  marine national parks help protect our ocean wildlife and the habitats they call home.

Marine national parks are areas created to protect the ocean's rich diversity of life. They allow fish to spawn and grow, provide unspoilt natural sites for people to visit and offer areas for education and research. Marine national parks also offer a way to protect vulnerable marine species such as turtles, dolphins and dugongs and the habitats they depend on such as sea grasses, coral reefs and mangroves.

We all stand to benefit from better protected coast and seas. Marine national parks act as an insurance policy, and help us to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

Scientists recommend that at least 20-30% of each marine habitat must be fully protected in marine national parks to help ensure our oceans are healthy and productive.