Marine Parks - What Are They, Where Are They, and What Do Surfers and Paddlers Need to Know?

If you surf, SUP, or bodyboard regularly, chances are you’ve already spent time inside a marine park - without even realising it.

When people hear the term marine park, they often think of vast, tropical reef systems like the Great Barrier Reef. But marine parks are not just remote, bucket-list destinations. Many are smaller coastal areas that protect the exact beaches, reefs, and headlands we visit every week. They sit beside major cities. They wrap around popular surf breaks. They include estuaries where we paddle and rocky reefs we’ve known since childhood.

Understanding what marine parks are - and how they affect us as ocean users - is part of being an informed and responsible waterperson.

What Exactly Is a Marine Park?

A marine park (often called a Marine Protected Area or MPA) is a defined section of ocean set aside to protect marine ecosystems, wildlife, and habitat. Think of it as the underwater equivalent of a national park.

These protected areas can include coral reefs, rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, kelp forests, sandbanks, offshore islands and estuaries. Some are enormous and world-famous. Others are relatively small and located right next to suburban beaches.

Importantly, marine parks are not “no fun zones.” Most are carefully zoned to balance conservation with recreation. Surfing, swimming, snorkelling and paddling are almost always permitted. The restrictions generally apply to extractive activities such as fishing, collecting marine life, or anchoring in sensitive habitats.

Why Do Marine Parks Exist?

Marine parks exist because ocean ecosystems are both incredibly valuable and surprisingly vulnerable.

Overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate pressures can quickly damage reef systems, seagrass beds and fish populations. Once degraded, these systems can take decades to recover - if they recover at all.

By setting aside protected zones, governments aim to:

• Protect biodiversity and threatened species

• Restore fish stocks

• Safeguard coral, kelp and seagrass habitats

• Maintain water quality

• Support sustainable tourism and recreation

• Preserve Indigenous and cultural marine heritage

For surfers and paddlers, healthy ecosystems aren’t abstract environmental concepts - they directly influence the quality of the coastlines we use. Seagrass beds stabilise sand. Reefs shape waves. Mangroves protect shorelines from erosion. A thriving marine environment contributes to cleaner water and more resilient beaches.

In short, marine parks help protect the environments that make our lifestyle possible.

Marine Parks in Australia – Not Just the Great Barrier Reef

Australia is considered a global leader in marine protection. While the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, is the most internationally recognised example, it represents only part of the picture.

Beyond Queensland’s reef system, Australia has dozens of smaller marine parks, many close to population centres and well-known surf regions.

On the west coast, Ningaloo Marine Park protects coral reefs, whale sharks and manta rays along an accessible shoreline where you can snorkel straight from the beach.

In New South Wales, Solitary Islands Marine Park near Coffs Harbour protects a fascinating mix of tropical and temperate marine life. Further south, Jervis Bay Marine Park and Batemans Marine Park cover estuaries, offshore reefs and key habitats for species such as grey nurse sharks.

South Australia’s Encounter Marine Park is known for leafy sea dragons and unique temperate reef systems, while Tasmania’s Maria Island Marine Reserve protects cold-water kelp forests and reef communities.

Many of these areas sit beside what feel like “normal” surf beaches. You can paddle out, catch waves, and never notice you’re inside a protected area - unless you know what to look for.

Marine Parks Around the World

Australia is far from alone. Most coastal nations now protect parts of their marine environments, although they may use different terminology.

In the United States, areas like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protect important coastal and reef ecosystems while still allowing recreation.

New Zealand operates strict no-take reserves such as the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, alongside mixed-use marine parks.

Portugal protects offshore ecosystems including the Berlengas Nature Reserve, and Indonesia manages reef systems such as the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area - an area frequented by surfers and divers alike.

The terminology may vary - Marine Reserve, Marine Sanctuary, Marine Conservation Area - but the underlying idea is consistent: protect critical habitats while allowing responsible enjoyment.

If you travel with your board, it’s worth remembering that many world-class surf destinations sit inside protected waters.

How Do You Know If You’re Surfing in a Marine Park?

The surprising reality is that many popular surf breaks are located within marine park boundaries.

The easiest way to tell is to look for signage at beach access points, headlands or boat ramps. Marine parks usually display large signs showing zoning maps and permitted activities.

If you’re planning ahead, most state or national marine authorities provide interactive online maps where you can search specific locations. Marine navigation apps and fishing apps often display protected area overlays as well.

As a rule of thumb, if a surf break is located near a rocky headland, offshore reef, estuary entrance, nature reserve, or well-known dive site, there is a reasonable chance it falls within a marine park or aquatic reserve.

What Should Surfers, Paddlers and Bodyboarders Do Differently?

For most wave riders, very little changes. Surfing itself is rarely restricted.

The main shift is awareness.

Marine parks are usually divided into zones. Some are sanctuary or no-take zones, where fishing and collecting marine life are prohibited. Others allow limited recreational fishing under specific rules. If you fish before or after a surf, or collect bait, it becomes important to understand which zone you are in.

It’s also essential not to remove shells, coral, rocks or marine life - even if they appear dead or discarded. These materials form part of the ecosystem.

When surfing reef breaks or paddling over shallow areas, avoid standing on coral or dragging boards across fragile reef. Coral structures grow slowly and can take decades to recover from damage.

Respect wildlife encounters. Turtles, dolphins, rays and seals are common in many marine parks. Observing them from a distance is encouraged; disturbing them is not.

Finally, pack everything out. Fishing line, food scraps and cigarette butts can all harm marine life. The standard should be simple: leave no trace.

Why This Matters to Everyday Ocean Users

Marine parks are not abstract conservation zones that exist somewhere “out there.” They are often woven into the everyday coastline - the beach you teach your kids to surf at, the reef you paddle over at sunrise, the estuary you explore on a calm afternoon.

For surfers and paddlers, awareness is part of ocean stewardship. We rely on healthy marine systems for the waves we ride and the coastlines we love.

You don’t need to change how you surf. You simply need to understand where you are - and treat it with respect.

Further Information & Official Resources

Here are key resources where you can check boundaries, zoning and regulations:

Australia

• Parks Australia – Australian Marine Parks

• NSW Marine Parks (Department of Primary Industries) interactive maps

• WA, VIC, SA, TAS and QLD marine park authority websites

Global Marine Protected Area Maps

• Protected Planet (UNEP global MPA database)

• Marine Conservation Institute – Atlas of Marine Protection

Country-Specific Authorities

• United States – NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries

• New Zealand – Department of Conservation Marine Reserves

• Portugal – Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas

• Indonesia – Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

Before surfing, paddling or fishing in a new area - especially overseas - it’s always worth checking the official site for the region you’re visiting.

Because sometimes, that “ordinary” surf break is part of something much bigger.

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