Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00070:body:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00070
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 43380–46404

no fishing of any kind is permitted across this large expanse of ocean. However, illegal fishing by foreign fishing vessels is a risk to the marine park, as the offshore waters surrounding Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Indo-Pacific are heavily targeted by international fleets. Partnerships with other government agencies with sea and air patrol compliance capability help Parks Australia to manage this risk.
     1.      Recreational and tourism activities

Many Christmas Island residents and visitors venture into the marine environment for activities such as boating, fishing, snorkelling, scuba and free-diving, kayaking and swimming. There are also a small number of marine tour operators who offer activities like scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing experiences. While enjoying the marine environment, it is important to be aware of the potential impacts of human presence on the natural behaviour of wildlife and habitats, particularly in high-use areas. For example, discarded fishing gear can cause entanglement of marine life. Activities such as boating, diving and snorkelling have the potential to impact marine park values directly through direct contact with marine life or indirectly through changes in behaviour. Human presence may result in changes to wildlife behaviour such as nesting, breeding, feeding and resting or may damage fragile reef marine environments. Examples of habitats and species vulnerable to human disturbance include reef habitats, marine turtles and sharks. The steep rocky cliffs of Christmas Island and the surrounding ocean conditions mean that much of the coastline is difficult to access – even by boat. The areas of highest use are along the north coast, which is most protected from the prevailing south-east winds and swell.

     1.            Christmas Island National Park

Christmas Island National Park covers approximately 85 km2 (63%) of the island's land area. The park also extends into the marine environment 50 m seaward of the low water mark around most of the island's coastline, capturing much of the island's fringing coral reef. The park also includes subterranean/cave ecosystems. The adjoining boundary of the national park marine zone and the Christmas Island Marine Park are shown in Figure 2.4.

Christmas Island Marine Park adjoins Christmas Island National Park wherever the national park extends into the sea, integrating this long-established national park into a wider seascape protection system. Providing contiguous protection across marine and terrestrial environments is important for the seabirds, crabs and other species that rely on both of these environments to survive. Parks Australia will work to ensure management of both parks is streamlined and integrated for the benefit of park users and other stakeholders and to enhance the effectiveness of management activities.

     1.            Management of values, pressures and drivers

The Director will need to make decisions about what activities can occur in the marine