I support the Commonwealth Marine Reserves plan.

For generations Australians have understood the need to preserve precious areas on land as national parks.

Our oceans contain fragile marine life, which deserve protection too.

That is why this Government has committed to delivering a national network of marine reserves to protect our precious marine environment for future generations.

On 14 June 2012, Environment Minister Tony Burke released the final network of Commonwealth marine reserves.

The reserves will be managed for the primary purpose of conserving the biodiversity found in them while also allowing for the sustainable use of natural resources in some areas.

We need to make sure our oceans are protected for the future, to ensure a sustainable fishing industry and for people who love to fish.

Through our consultation on the development of these plans we have, where possible, avoided having an impact on local jobs and coastal communities.

In the coming weeks, the Director of National Parks will release a notice inviting public comment on the intention to declare the new Commonwealth marine reserves under national environmental law.

Members of the public will have 60 days to provide input.

Further information, including instructions on how you can have your say on the proposed new Commonwealth marine reserves is available on the departments websitewww.environment.gov.au/marinereserves