Australia, leading in ocean conservation

"The global leader in smart oceans protection is Australia, which created the world’s largest network of marine sanctuaries . . . [including] 36 percent of its oceans under ecologically sustainable management and 13 percent fully protected as no-take zones . . . The sanctuary network offers protection for many of the world’s endangered coral species, as well as preserving habitat for hundreds of threatened marine species." Australia has roughly 3.45 million square miles of ocean area, which giving them jurisdiction over the third-largest marine environment in the world. These ocean ecosystems boosts some of the world's most endangered marine species, including the Maui's dolphin. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the world's largest coral reef system, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and stunning marine life, is one of the best known parks under Australia's protection. Replenishing the Great Barrier Reef with life, the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve extends protection over a vast expanse of ocean along the northeast coast of Australia. With 49 distinct habitats and a home to over 300 threatened species, the reserve serves as a crucial nesting ground for various seabirds and marine life.