Development of an Australian National Oceans Policy

The development of the Australian National Oceans Policy will provide a strategic framework for the planning, management and ecologically sustainable development of Australia's ocean industries, including fisheries, shipping, petroleum, gas and seabed resources. It will also enable the integration of other ocean related uses and services such as defense and climate and weather prediction. The Australian community has been asked to comment on the scope of an Ocean Policy before the end of April 1997 and have been promised a second round of consultation during 1997. The final policy is to be produced by the end of 1997.