Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071:body:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00071
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 45396–48489

of climate change, it is likely that mass die-off events within the lagoon will increase in their frequency and severity.
Warmer water temperatures and extreme heat events also have potential to bleach coral in Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park, and this pressure is predicted to increase into the future. Physical features and microclimates, which provide short-term refuges and longer term refugia for some climate‑sensitive species, will play an important role in protecting species. Seagrass and coral, primary habitat-forming species in the lagoon and coral reef ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. If habitats and ecosystems are damaged, this can have ripple effects on species dependent on these, such as reef fish and sharks.
The marine park is likely to undergo ecological changes as a result of climate change. For example, coral bleaching could reduce the amount of suitable habitat for species to occupy. Highly mobile species ranges are likely to expand as they track their climatic preferences in search of suitable habitats, causing an increased likelihood of non-native and marine invasive species entering the Cocos (Keeling) Islands marine environment. This may lead to variations in species abundance, distribution and diversity, resulting in changes in food chain interactions and potential shifts in the community structure within marine environments. The isolation of Cocos (Keeling) Islands will also limit species' ability to move ranges in line with their climatic preferences, increasing the likelihood of local extinctions. The timing and intensity of natural events, including cyclones and storms, may be altered, affecting the marine environment's ability to recover through changes in demography and regeneration. These environmental changes could have flow-on effects for the cultural, social and economic values of the marine park by affecting populations of culturally significant species, impacting cultural fishing traditions or causing declines in ecosystems that are popular attractions for tourists and valued by the community.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands faces the imminent threat of sea-level rise and intensified erosive processes due to heightened rainfall, increased temperatures and extreme weather events, including storms and cyclones. Cyclones and storms can cause significant loss of coral cover. Inundation of Cocos (Keeling) Islands will have implications for the water quality and health of the lagoon and threatens the cultural and socio-economic activities tied to these remote islands.
Changes to the marine environment will create challenges for management and the wellbeing and livelihoods of Cocos (Keeling) Islands residents, visitors and other users. Flexible and adaptable management approaches will be adopted in order to respond to shifting and potentially unpredictable conditions, to help ensure the marine environment is protected in the most effective way possible.
The Director acknowledges that climate change threatens much more than the marine environment at Cocos (Keeling) Islands  it also threatens