Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071:body:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 53749–56854

marine environment. Impacts on habitat in marine parks can occur directly though the physical removal or harm of species and habitats; or indirectly through reduction in light availability, smothering habitats or disturbance of animals in the vicinity as a result of increased sedimentation suspension and depositions from infrastructure. Parks Australia will carefully assess any proposals for coastal development and infrastructure activities within the marine park.

    2.4.6     Fishing pressure
As discussed above, fishing is a significant part of life on Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and many residents rely on fish to meet their nutritional needs.
The southern atoll lagoon environment is unique within the eastern Indian Ocean and vulnerable to pressures, including fishing. To help ensure local fishing pressure is managed, recreational fishing rules have been developed through a community‑led process under DITRDCA, which is responsible for fisheries management at Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These fishing rules support the sustainability of island-based fishing activities. As is the case for other Australian marine parks, the inshore yellow Habitat Protection Zone (IV) allows recreational fishing that complies with the local fishing rules.
Fishing, including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, can modify natural populations of target species. Bycatch of non-target species and/or physical disturbance to habitats can result from certain fishing methods and may therefore impact on marine park values. The green National Park Zoning of the offshore waters of the marine park mean that 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.

    2.4.7     Recreational and tourism activities
Many Cocos (Keeling) Islands residents and visitors venture into the marine environment for activities such as beach and reef walking, boating, surfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling and swimming. There are also a small number of tour operators, who offer scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing experiences. While enjoying the marine environment, it is important to be aware of the potential impacts of increased human presence on the natural behaviour of wildlife and habitats, particularly in high-use areas such as Arus Les (The Rip), Pulu Maraya and the Coal Barge. Activities such as boating, fishing, 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,