The marine reserve will quadruple in size, adding nearly 310,000 square kilometers, making it larger than Italy and bringing Australia's total protected marine area to 52%.

Conservation groups have praised the expansion, which will prohibit fishing expansion and prevent oil and gas extraction in the area.

Australia has made a significant move in marine conservation by expanding the Heard Island and McDonald Islands marine park, now protecting more ocean space than any other country.

This expansion will increase the proportion of Australia's seas under conservation to 52%, surpassing the 30% target set in a UN conservation agreement in 2022.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced this decision ahead of the Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney, emphasizing its significance for both Australia and the world.

The region is ecologically important, home to significant populations of penguins, seals, and albatrosses, and features glaciers, wetlands, and Australia's only active volcanoes.

Without stronger protections, these vital foraging grounds remain at risk from commercial fishing activities.

A Biodiversity Council assessment revealed that the government spends significantly more on activities harmful to the environment compared to those that benefit biodiversity.

Environmental advocates stress the need for increased funding for nature protection, as the current government spending is only 0.1% of its budget.

This scheme allows private landholders to earn biodiversity certificates for environmental restoration, potentially earning up to $2000 per hectare.

However, concerns were raised by some environmental groups regarding the lack of sanctuary-level protection for critical wildlife habitats.

WWF Australia and Pew Charitable Trusts criticized the final plan for not including more fishing restrictions in these vital areas.