Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

10-2024

Abstract

Australia has attempted to position itself as a world leader in Marine Protected Area (MPA) practice through leveraging its significant national MPA network as well as its heavy involvement in the creation of high seas MPAs in the Antarctic. However, the quality of Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice have separately been subject to similar and convincing critiques. Despite this, little research exists which highlights how these two levels of law-making may interact regarding MPAs. Hence, the question to be addressed is: ‘How does Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice interact?’ Through drawing upon middle power theory to characterise this interaction, three distinct eras of practice can be observed: 1990–2000, 2001–2012 and 2013–present. By understanding the common interactions between the national and international levels of law making across these eras, it is possible to better understand the motivations behind Australia’s international MPA practice, as well as to anticipate future actions.

Keywords

Marine Protected Area, marine environment protection, Australia

Discipline

Environmental Law

Research Areas

Public Interest Law, Community and Social Justice

Publication

Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs

Volume

16

Issue

4

First Page

379

Last Page

409

ISSN

1836-6503

Identifier

10.1080/18366503.2023.2229141

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2023.2229141

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