Sectoral approaches to Australian marine and ocean governance

Abstract

Australia has management of and responsibility for the third-largest maritime jurisdiction in the world. Marine Australia is a major contributor to national economic development, with the value of marine resources, uses, users and related activities assessed at approximately $40 billion per annum. Management of Australia's marine and coastal areas has reflected an incremental and sectoral-oriented focus, shaped to a great extent by the contours of offshore federalism. In assessing current and future options for oceans policy, key elements will remain the sectoral focus for management and the shared jurisdiction offshore.