The WA Government has announced plans to turn the entire Exmouth Gulf into a Marine Park, sparking conflict over whether it’s a positive development.

This initiative was introduced early September following the release of the Exmouth Gulf Taskforce findings. The WA Government has promoted the marine park as a significant step in conserving and protecting biodiversity within one of the most diverse marine ecosystems worldwide.

The park will cover all 2600 sq km of the Gulf, with 30 per cent of the area being dedicated to no-catch sanctuary zones. These sanctuary zones work by prohibiting fishing and water activities in certain areas to allow important habitats and marine life to recover and grow.   

The Gulf is a nursery for humpback whales and their calves and contains marine habitats including seagrass meadows, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Murdoch University Oceanography Professor Jennifer Verduin said seagrass ecosystems support the Gulf and help maintain biodiversity across the region. She added that they sustain the large dugong population as seagrass is a primary food source. It also provides a sanctuary for green turtles, juvenile fish and threatened species.

A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions spokesperson said that safeguarding these ecosystems will deliver long term environmental benefits.

“The park will enhance the Gulf’s resilience to climate change and reduce pressure on vulnerable species” they said.

The DBCA spokesperson said the department is committed to delivering a marine park that will protect Exmouth Gulf’s biodiversity, as well as support the fishing and tourism industries.

They said this will be done through a multi-use zoning system, which includes sanctuary zones for conservation, and recreational and general use zones where sustainable recreational and commercial activities can continue.

However, local residents and fishers have raised concerns about the effectiveness of sanctuary zones.

Exmouth resident and fisherman Buddha Damian said sanctuary zones won’t stop overfishing and suggested seasonal fishing restrictions on certain species instead.

Despite this, research from the DBCA report has shown that marine sanctuaries contribute to conserving marine biodiversity and improving resilience within marine ecosystems.

To measure the effectiveness of the marine park and sanctuary zones, the DBCA spokesperson said the department will implement a monitoring system that will track species abundance, habitats and water health.

However, the Government plan still leaves local residents and fishers concerned.

A survey conducted between April and June 2025 by DBCA found that Exmouth locals, and the West Australian community value the Gulf most for recreational fishing and water activities.

Mr Damian said the new restrictions are unfair to local residents: “It is like we are being penalised for living here. We bought this lifestyle to have the Gulf as our backyard and now we can’t even use parts of it.”

He said the change would affect a lot of people in town, as most local residents fish in the Gulf. He is also frustrated by the proposed industrial development project, and the potential environmental impact the oil and gas will have on the Gulf, if the project is implemented.

Protect Ningaloo and scientists have also raised concerns regarding the proposed Gascoyne Gateway industrial development, proposed for just south of Exmouth.

A planned pipeline facility proposed by engineering company Subsea 7 involves launching pipelines and towing them close to the sea floor through the Ningaloo World Heritage area and the Exmouth Marine Park. It is currently in the planning and design phase, with the final investment decision to be announced in 2026.

Protect Ningaloo warns that if approval is given, the industrial development will undermine the conservation efforts of the marine park by impacting and damaging marine habitats and biodiversity.

Professor Verduin said coastal developments, such as the port expansion, are one of the biggest threats to the Gulf’s ecosystems. She also said the marine park may not be enough to fully protect the ecosystems in the Gulf, as polluted water and rising ocean temperatures affect marine ecosystems regardless of boundaries.

“Ideally, we should be working to protect all ocean waters, not just designated areas,” she said.

The DBCA spokesperson said the next 12 to 18 months will involve active consultation with the Exmouth community and stakeholders to create a marine park that protects and supports sustainable use of the Gulf.