Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324:front:0:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 37078–40174

extends over much of the West Cape York Marine Park. This sanctuary bans harvest of dugong by Torres Strait Islanders in an area where they are known to be abundant.
Native title determinations have also been made over sea country within the North Network. Such declarations have recognised native title exists over waters within the Arafura and the Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Parks. These native title determinations recognise in law the continuing rights of these groups for sea country in these marine parks.
Figure 2.3 shows the Indigenous Protected Areas and Dugong Sanctuary established in or near the North Network.
Heritage values
Protected places (world, national and Commonwealth heritage, historic shipwrecks)
The EPBC Act protects matters of national environmental significance that are classified as protected places, including world heritage properties and national heritage places. Places on the Commonwealth Heritage List or shipwrecks listed under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 are also protected places.
Historic shipwrecks are a unique historic value and the region is an area of considerable importance in Australia's maritime history. There are approximately 500 known historic shipwrecks in and adjacent to the region; five are in the North Network: A.D.C (1886), Ada (1886), Douglas Mawson (1923), Mystery (1902) and Wild Duck (1876).
More information on located wrecks and shipwrecks historically reported as lost can be found in the Australian national shipwrecks database.
Social and economic values
The North Network supports a range of important social and economic uses that underpin the prosperity and wellbeing of regional communities (Figure 2.4).
Shipping, port-related activities, commercial fishing and aquaculture are industries of national economic significance. The Network also provides some opportunity for offshore mining operations.
Marine tourism such as charter fishing, snorkelling, diving and wildlife watching are also important commercial activities that offer unique visitor experiences on reefs, islands and in deep water environments. The Network also supports a range of recreational activities including fishing.

Figure 2.3 Indigenous Protected Areas and Dugong Sanctuary established in or near the North Network

Pressures in the North Network
Pressures are human-driven processes, events and activities that, if left unchecked, may impact on marine park values. Contemporary drivers of environmental change in the marine environment include population growth and economic activity, and related pressures such as increased vessel activity, marine debris, climate extremes, and ocean warming. Figure 2.4 shows the types of uses occurring across the North Network. These present key challenges for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of our marine resources.
Australia's 2016 State of the environment report reviewed pressures on Australia's marine environment and determined that they were low by global standards. However, given that more than 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 km of the sea, and with Australia's