Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00327:front:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00327
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 28664–31577

soft sediments and canyons that support high species diversity. A key example is Bligh Canyon in the north of the Marine Park, which is 200 km long, 10 km wide and cuts 300 m into the seafloor.
The Coral Sea Marine Park is influenced by a complex system of ocean currents that change seasonally and between years. Currents have also influenced the composition of reef species. The east–west-flowing South Equatorial Current cuts through the centre of the Marine Park before dividing to form the north-flowing Hiri Current and the south-flowing East Australian Current. These currents create a barrier reducing the mixing of species between the north and south of the Marine Park, forming distinct communities. The southern part of the Marine Park transitions between tropical and temperate waters and includes the northern extent of the range of some temperate species typical of the Temperate East Marine Region.
The Coral Sea Marine Park includes iconic black marlin (Istiompax indica) spawning aggregations near Osprey Reef, and every year humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate through the Marine Park from Antarctica. Six of the world's seven species of marine turtle occur in the Marine Park; all have threatened conservation status.
The Coral Sea Marine Park lies immediately to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in collaboration with the Queensland Government. The Great Barrier Reef is a recognised World Heritage Area on the basis of its outstanding universal value. Given the connectivity between the ecosystems and species of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, and their importance to local jobs and coastal economies, these marine parks need to be managed in a collaborative way.
Further information about the Coral Sea Marine Park can be found in the East marine bioregional plan: bioregional profile (2009) (available on the Department's website), and the marine park values in Section 2.2 and Schedule 2 of this plan.
Figure 2.1 Coral Sea Marine Park

Values of the Coral Sea Marine Park
Values are broadly defined as:
  * Natural values—habitats, species and ecological communities within marine parks, and the processes that support their connectivity, productivity and function.
  * Cultural values—living and cultural heritage recognising Indigenous beliefs, practices and obligations for country, places of cultural significance and cultural heritage sites.
  * Heritage values—non-Indigenous heritage that has aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance.
  * Socio-economic values—the benefit of marine parks for people, businesses and the economy.
As outlined in Part 1, in managing marine parks, the Director will need to make decisions about what activities can occur in the marine parks and what actions to take to manage them. This will involve the Director making decisions that