ENVIRONMENT AT SEA: Australian watch at Ocean Sector

Australia creates world's largest marine reserves

SYDNEY - Australia on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 created the world's largest network of marine reserves, protecting a huge swathe of ocean environment despite claims it will devastate the fishing industry.

The announcement, after years of planning and consultation, will significantly expand the protection of creatures such as the blue whale, green turtle, critically endangered populations of grey nurse sharks, and dugongs.

The scale of the plan, which will cover more than 2.3 million square kilometres in six marine regions, was first made public in June.

Environment Minister Tony Burke said that of 80,000 submissions received, the vast majority supported the proposal, AFP reported.

"There are very few countries in the world that are as responsible for as much of the ocean as Australia is. And our oceans are under serious threat," he said.

"There are a range of actions that need to be taken to turn the corner on the health of our oceans. Establishing national parks in the ocean is a big part of that total picture," he added.