Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071:body:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 50990–54012

drivers have been and are likely to continue to be major factors in the health of seagrass at the southern atoll and the broader lagoon ecosystem. Water quality monitoring and, where possible, work with other relevant authorities to improve water quality will be a focus for management of the marine park under this plan.

    2.4.4     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 disease outbreaks affecting corals and other species. Given the islands' 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), the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port is subject to biosecurity controls under this Act, which are administered by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Islands, reefs and other shallow-water ecosystems are vulnerable to marine invasive species. Invasives can impact native species directly through predation or by damaging important habitats; and indirectly through competition for habitats and food. At the time this plan is made, no marine invasive species have established themselves in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands marine environment and a regular marine invasive species monitoring program is in place.

    2.4.5     Coastal development and infrastructure
Coastal development and infrastructure on Cocos (Keeling) Islands helps to provide services critical to the islands and their people. For example, Cocos (Keeling) Islands is reliant on the port for the shipment of supplies, including, food, fuel and other necessities; and the seawalls of Home Island and West Island are essential for mitigating the impacts of storms, tides and climate change. The critical nature of this infrastructure is recognised in the marine park's design  the seawalls and active port area were not incorporated into the marine park to provide regulatory certainty for the island's critical marine and coastal infrastructure operations. Even though these areas are not part of the marine park, Parks Australia will liaise with other agencies and authorities in relation to any developments that may have impacts on the marine park to ensure these are minimised to the extent practical.
Generally, coastal development and infrastructure require careful management to avoid impacts on the 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