Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00070:body:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00070
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 37707–40781

the cultural, social and economic values of the marine park by affecting populations of culturally significant species, impacting cultural fishing traditions or causing declines in ecosystems that are popular attractions for tourists and valued by the community.

These changes to the marine environment will create challenges for management and the wellbeing and livelihoods of Christmas Island residents, visitors and other park users. Flexible and adaptable management approaches will be adopted in order to respond to shifting and potentially unpredictable conditions, to help ensure the marine environment is protected in the most effective way possible.

     1.      Marine debris and other pollution

Marine debris, such as general plastic waste, microplastics, 'ghost nets' (lost or discarded fishing nets), fish aggregating devices, and other pollution, such as discharge of oil and chemicals or waste, can cause harm to the marine environment and can stem from sea- or land-based activities. Christmas Island's location along major ocean currents and proximity to Australia's northern neighbours makes it prone to substantial amounts of marine debris, especially plastic waste. This debris threatens marine life and ecosystems through entanglement, ingestion and exposure to harmful pollutants and can act as a vector for marine invasive species. Marine debris can also affect the social and economic values of the marine park by diminishing the island's aesthetic appeal.

With most marine debris originating in other countries, there is little that small communities or marine park managers can do to prevent this debris arriving. Considerable efforts are made – mainly by volunteers – to remove this debris when it arrives. There are also efforts to ensure locally generated waste is managed well and does not enter the environment. The Australian Government more broadly is making efforts through direct engagement with neighbouring countries and through joining international efforts to develop a global plastics treaty. Actions under this management plan will support efforts to manage marine debris and contribute to the objectives of the Threat Abatement Plan for the impacts of marine debris on the vertebrate wildlife of Australia's coasts and oceans (2018).

     1.      Marine invasive species and disease

Marine invasive species present an ongoing threat to marine biodiversity. Potential sources of marine invasive species include climate-driven range changes, vessel ballast and bilge water discharge, vessel biofouling and accidental or deliberate transport of species. The introduction of new species and environmental stressors can also cause diseases outbreaks affecting corals and other species. Given the island's proximity to high-risk areas in South-East Asia and isolated nature, marine invasive species pose a significant threat to the marine park's unique biodiversity, as well as to marine industries and amenity. As a First Point of Entry under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth), Christmas Island Port is subject to biosecurity controls