It is common practice in Australia and in other countries worldwide for protected areas, parks and reserves to have a management plan explaining the rules and guidelines for activities in the area.

Long narrow deposition bar or beach landform off snowcovered island coast
Outer end of Elephant Spit Photo: Gary Miller

Management plans also explain what the objectives are for managing the area, and what the managers will do to help meet those objectives.

It is a requirement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act), under which the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Marine Reserve was declared, that a management plan be prepared for the Reserve. The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is responsible for managing the Reserve and also responsible for preparing and implementing a management plan.

The Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan 2014–2024 has expired and has no legal effect. 

Transitional management arrangements for the expanded marine reserve came into effect on 25 January 2025.The reserve will be managed under transitional management arrangements until a new management plan is in effect.

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