Back to DEC Homepage

Marine Nature Reserves

 Print

Categories and Functions of the Marine Reserves Vested in the MPRA

The purpose of marine nature reserves is –

  1. the conservation and restoration of the natural environment;
  2. the protection, care and study of indigenous flora and fauna; and
  3. the preservation of any feature of archaeological, historical or scientific interest

Marine nature reserves have the highest level of protection. In popular language they are "no-take areas" where the principle of "look but don't take" applies. Except in any specified prohibited zones, public access is permitted but activities that may have detrimental impact on the reserve's environmental values are not permitted.

Marine nature reserves have particular value to the community as places where visitors (including tourists, students and researchers) may study representative natural areas in an undisturbed state.

WA has one marine nature reserve, Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve (approximately 132,000 ha in area), which is vested in the MPRA.