Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Lord Howe Island Marine Park is a unique marine environment established in 1999, covering the waters within three nautical miles of Lord Howe Island.

It is considered one of the most biologically diverse and significant marine parks in the world due to its unique marine biodiversity, rich maritime cultural heritage, and social and economic importance to the island community.

Lord Howe Island has a biologically diverse marine system with a high degree of endemism. The island's coral reef ecosystem is the southernmost in the world and is home to many endemic and rare species. Over 500 species of fish, shellfish, and other marine creatures can be found in the area. The island is also a significant breeding site for seabirds.

The establishment of Lord Howe Island Marine Park was driven by fisheries pressure and other human activities that were impacting marine biodiversity. The park was declared to reduce these impacts and is currently managed by the New South Wales Marine Parks Authority.

Lord Howe Island enjoys a temperate climate with mean water temperatures of 25 °C in summer and 18 °C in winter. The island experiences strong winds, particularly in late winter and spring, and receives significant rainfall annually.

Human-induced disturbances pose significant threats to the marine biodiversity in Lord Howe Island Marine Park. Overexploitation, pollution, and changing species habitats are leading to species loss. Climate change and entanglement in marine debris are also significant threats. The increase in visitors, dwellings, and accommodations is a source of environmental issues.

The implementation of zoning in Lord Howe Island Marine Park has contributed to the conservation of marine biodiversity. Sanctuary zones have higher numbers of fish species and densities, as well as more significant biomass density and higher coral cover. These zones have helped protect key species and increase the