Australia is set to triple the size of its protected marine park, covering an area larger than Germany.

Australia has announced plans to expand a vital marine park, tripling its size and closing off a region bigger than Germany to activities like fishing and mining. This move will help protect millions of vulnerable seabirds and marine animals.

The Macquarie Island Marine Park, located off Australia's southeastern coast between Tasmania and Antarctica in the Southern Ocean, is set for expansion to 475,465 square kilometers (around 184,000 square miles).

Approximately 93% of the park will be designated as a fully protected marine sanctuary, closed to fishing, mining, and other extractive activities, according to Australia's Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek.

Macquarie Island, a World Heritage-listed site, and its surrounding waters are of immense geological and natural importance. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for millions of at-risk seabirds and endangered wildlife, including albatrosses, elephant seals, fur seals, whales, and several penguin species, including the royal penguin, which is found only on this island.

Plibersek stated, 'I am committed to protecting our oceans for future generations. This announcement is part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard Australia's unique natural areas, especially those that are home to endangered species.'

The plan to enlarge the marine park was first introduced in February, with Monday's announcement following two months of public consultation, during which more than 14,700 submissions were received, 99% of which were in favor, according to the government.

One compromise made in the plan allows ongoing fishery operations for the Patagonian toothfish around the island.

Environmental groups praised the expansion of the marine park, calling it a major victory for the region’s invaluable marine biodiversity.

The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation informed Dinogo that it had provided expert feedback during the public consultation, noting that the outcome was 'critically important for the species of Macquarie Island.'

These species depend on the waters around Macquarie Island for their entire food supply, and nearly fully protecting this area will help ensure the survival of these animals for future generations.

Fiona Maxwell, the national oceans manager for Pew Charitable Trusts, stated that the government under Anthony Albanese 'has struck the right balance.'

The government is 'providing Macquarie Island’s marine life with the necessary protection, while allowing the sustainable operation of the relatively small-scale and well-managed Patagonian toothfish fishery.'

Macquarie Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, and the marine park was established in 1999.

Darren Kindleysides, CEO of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, emphasized that sanctuaries are crucial for marine wildlife, healthy ocean ecosystems, and the sustainability of commercial fisheries.

He stated, 'Across the Southern Ocean, temperatures are rising, and ice loss is occurring at three times the previous rate. Industrial fisheries are damaging biodiversity hotspots and disrupting food chains, while the ocean's diverse wildlife struggles to cope with these rapid changes.'

'Robust sanctuary protection will help this unique Sub-Antarctic marine ecosystem develop resilience against these growing threats and safeguard this globally important wildlife hotspot from dangers like seabed mining,' he added.