Report 14

Management of Marine Parks and Reserves

Audit Focus and Scope

This audit assessed how effectively MPRs are managed, and protect the marine environment. We had 2 lines of inquiry:

  1. Are MPRs planned and established in line with conservation strategies and robust process?
  2. Do management actions, monitoring and reporting systems ensure marine biodiversity is protected within MPRs?

Our main focus was on the establishment and management of MPRs by DPaW. We also examined the role of DoF in delivering management activities in MPRs.

The audit included all 16 MPRs in WA established under the CALM Act. It did not include the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve and fish habitat protection areas created under different legislation. In undertaking the audit we:

  • reviewed all MPRs management plans, DPaW annual performance assessment reports, all parks summary reports, and biodiversity assets and social values reports
  • reviewed collaborative operational plans and reports between DPaW and DoF, DoFs annual report to the MPRA, MPRA annual assessment reports, and periodic and 10-year assessment reports
  • examined policies, strategies, planning processes, work plans, patrol and enforcement data
  • visited Shoalwater Islands, Ningaloo and Ngari Capes to meet with DPaW and DoF staff, local governments, conservation and fishing groups
  • interviewed commercial and recreational fishing stakeholders, environmental groups, and academics
  • engaged a subject expert to provide specialist analysis and advice.

Appendix 1 provides information about each MPR.

We did not assess Ministerial decisions regarding marine parks and did not examine joint management arrangements with traditional owners at the new Kimberley marine parks.

This was a broad scope performance audit, conducted under section 18 of the Auditor General Act 2006 and in accordance with Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards. Performance audits focus primarily on the effective management and operation of agency programs and activities. The approximate cost of tabling this report is $456,000.

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