Oceans of Global Significance
Western Australia’s oceans and coastlines support some of the most ecologically important marine environments in Australia. These waters provide breeding and migration habitat for humpback whales, turtles, fish and countless marine species. Coastal wetlands and shorelines also support migratory birds travelling thousands of kilometres, including species arriving from Siberia. The coastlines contain extraordinary cultural and geological significance—from dinosaur footprints preserved in rock platforms to some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth and enduring First Nations songlines connected to sea Country.
The Threats
Large sections of Western Australia’s marine environment have remained vulnerable to industrial pressures including overfishing, offshore oil and gas drilling and mining-related development. Campaigners warned that without stronger protections, fragile marine ecosystems and culturally significant coastlines could face irreversible damage. One of the largest threats emerged with proposals for the Browse LNG development at Walmadany / James Price Point near Broome.
The Campaign
Between 2008 and 2013, the Wilderness Society worked alongside Traditional Owners and the Broome community to oppose the proposed Browse LNG hub at Walmadany / James Price Point. The campaign became one of the largest anti-gas movements in Western Australia and ultimately stopped the proposed development. The Wilderness Society has also continued advocating for expanded marine park protections across the WA coast. In 2018, more than 17,000 public submissions supported creation of the Gaarra Marine Park, which was finalised in 2025 as Western Australia’s first co-managed marine park with the Bardi and Jawi people. Campaigners have also pushed for additional protections within the proposed WA South Coast Marine Park, including areas such as Mason Bay, Investigator Island, Cape Le Grand, Membinup, Cape Arid, Round Island, Israelite Bay and Six Mile Island. These coastal environments provide critical refuge for species including southern right whales and Australian sea lions. Alongside marine park advocacy, the Wilderness Society has also taken Australia’s offshore oil and gas regulator, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, to court over concerns regarding Santos’ cleanup obligations connected to the Reindeer gas operations off the coast of Karratha.
Continuing the Fight
The campaign for marine protection in Western Australia continues today. The Wilderness Society and allied groups continue advocating for stronger marine protections, co-management with Traditional Owners and greater accountability for offshore fossil fuel industries operating along the WA coast.
Legacy
The WA marine campaigns helped stop major industrial developments, expand marine protections and strengthen recognition of the ecological and cultural importance of Western Australia’s ocean environments. The creation of Gaarra Marine Park also marked a significant milestone in co-managed marine conservation with Traditional Owners.