The Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan has been approved by Parliament and will now guide management of the reserve for the next seven years.
The plan details the way in which activities must be undertaken to protect the outstanding conservation values of the reserve. It also recognises the important contribution that scientific research in the reserve can make to issues such as the effects of global and regional climate change,and the sustainable management of the broader marine area surrounding the reserve. Copies of the plan can be downloaded from the Heard Island website or by emailing himi@aad.gov.au.
EWAN McIVOR, Environmental Policy and Protection, AAD