| Australia has said it will create
the world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea.
The Environment Ministry says the area has shallow reefs
that support tropical ecosystems with sharks, coral, sponges
and many fish species.
The proposal includes seas beyond the already protected Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park off north-east Australia. The reserve
would cover almost 400,000 square miles (nearly one million
square kms).
Fishing would be allowed in parts of the reserve. Some conservationists
raised concern such exceptions would make management of the
reserve more difficult.
The proposal announced is now open for a 90-day comment period.
|
