The Department of Agriculture develops policy and prepares advice on matters relating to the environmental impact of fishing activities and access to Commonwealth fish stocks consistent with their optimal use as a public resource. This includes ensuring the Commonwealth fishing industry’s interests are considered in key Government processes such as the establishment of a network of Commonwealth Marine Reserves.
Parks Australia, part of the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, manages the Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network.
An independent review of the proposed Commonwealth Marine Reserves network was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2013 with the resultant reports released on 5 September 2016. The Director of National Parks will draw upon these reports in preparing Management Plans for reserves.
The Department of the Environment and Energy website has more information on Commonwealth Marine Reserves.