Exmouth Gulf Marine Park Declared, Protecting Hope Spot

September 12, 2025

Cover image: Courtesy of Oceanwise Australia

EXMOUTH GULF, AUSTRALIA – Exmouth Gulf and the Ningaloo Coast form one of Earth’s extraordinary marine ecosystems, home to whales, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, sea snakes, and migratory shorebirds. The area is also home to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, with evidence of continuous connection and stewardship stretching back more than 40,000 years. Its seagrass meadows, mangrove systems, and sheltered waters provide important nursery grounds for marine life and play a vital role in the broader Ningaloo ecosystem.

On September 4, 2025, the Cook Government announced the establishment of a whole-of-gulf marine park, marking a major milestone in conservation for the region. This outcome reflects decades of persistent research and advocacy, outlined in detail in the timeline below. The work of groups including Oceanwise, Cape Conservation Group, Protect Ningaloo and many more have all played a role in carrying the conservation of the region forwards. The new marine park represents a step toward long-term protection, while highlighting the effort and collaboration required to safeguard ecosystems of cultural, ecological, and economic value. 

For a detailed timeline of events and actions in the Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Coast region leading up to the September 2025 declaration, reference the timeline below.

Exmouth Gulf Conservation Timeline

40,000+ years ago – First Nations Custodianship

• Archaeological evidence confirms continuous Aboriginal connection to Exmouth Gulf.
• Cultural sites and oral histories show stewardship that continues through today.
  

1970s–1990s – Recognition of Ecological Value

• Marine scientists, local community and government representatives highlight Exmouth Gulf’s role as a nursery for humpback whales, dugongs, dolphins, and turtles, fish, mangroves and seagrasses. 
• Rising tourism and industrial interest spark early calls for protection.

2004 – First major salt works proposed

• A major saltworks project proposal announced for construction over up to 40,000 hectares of the majority of  Exmouth Gulf Wetlands of National Significance. 
• Proposal stopped by the successful Halt the Salt campaign, culminating with an EPA rejection in 2010.

2010 – UNESCO World Heritage Values Established 

• World Heritage values of Exmouth Gulf recognized and originally included in the proposed UNESCO Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area listing. 
• Exmouth Gulf ultimately excluded from the final designation, leaving it vulnerable to industrialization. 

2016 – Second major saltworks proposed

• Plans proposed to construct a saltworks over 21,000 hectares of the northern Exmouth Gulf Wetland of National Significance.
• Protect Ningaloo, Cape Conservation Group, Oceanwise and allies launch strong opposition, spotlighting risks to endangered sawfish, migratory shorebirds, seagrass, and fisheries.

2017: Oil and Gas Pipeline manufacturing facility proposed

• Subsea 7 proposed to develop the 500 hectare Heron Point oil and gas pipeline manufacturing facility including  a 10km long rail line, 380m long concrete and rock structure at Heron Point, with regular disturbance of over 1834 hectares of seabed. 

2018 – 2019: Oceanwise Australia report released   

• The report established Exmouth Gulf as a biodiversity hotspot of global importance, collaborating with IUCN, UWA, James Cook University, Curtin University, Sharks and Rays Australia and supported by  Jock Clough Marine Foundation, Cape Conservation Group, and Protect Ningaloo.
• The report recommended a cumulative impact assessment, increased research focus and designation of a marine park. 

2019 – Exmouth Gulf Declared a Hope Spot

• Mission Blue designates Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Coast a global Mission Blue Hope Spot in recognition of its biodiversity and cultural values. Oceanwise Founder Dr. Ben Fitzpatrick is named the Hope Spot Champion, amplifying local and global awareness and advocacy for protection.
• Complementing the ongoing work of Cape Conservation Group and Protect Ningaloo, advocating against development and for protection  
• There is a marked increase in research and recognition of the natural, cultural and socioeconomic values of the gulf. 

December 2020 – Pipeline project withdrawn

• After 3 years of widespread community opposition, tireless work from Protect Ningaloo and Cape Conservation Group, with significant contributions from Oceanwise, Subsea 7 withdraws their proposal from EPA Assessment.

July 2021 – Deepwater Port proposed 

• EPA refers the Gascoyne Gateway port proposal to a Public Environmental Review – the highest level of assessment.
• The community still awaits a formal EPA public comment period on this…

August 2021 – EPA Cumulative Impact Assessment released

• Environmental Protection Authority and WAMSI with contributions from Oceanwise implement a Cumulative Impact Assessment of the Gulf under Section 16(e) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 
• Need for high level of protection and improved management confirmed

Dec 2021 – WA Government commits to protection. 

• Western Australia Government announced intent to create a Marine Park focused on protecting the southern, and eastern shores and an A-Class nature reserve at Quailing Pool, a site of significant cultural and natural heritage values. 

 July 2022 – Exmouth Gulf Taskforce established 

• WA Government establishes a taskforce comprising a diverse cross-section of government, traditional owner and community stakeholder groups, to review ecological, cultural, and economic values of the Gulf. 

May 2023 Ningaloo Nyinggulu 3-part Documentary Released

• Driven by Tim Winton and Peter Rees, Highlighting the natural and cultural heritage values of Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef, threats and need for protection. 

Sept 2023 – Exmouth Gulf Taskforce interim report released 

• Whole of Gulf Protection recommended.

June 2024 – Rolex Perpetual Planet feature released 

• Reaching 1.45 million views helped to expose a global audience to efforts to protect the area’s marine biodiversity from industrialization.

June, 2025 – Salt Project 2.0 Withdrawn

• K+S Salt Australia withdraws the project from assessment after nine years of widespread community opposition, tireless advocacy from Protect Ningaloo, Cape Conservation Group and supported by contributions from Oceanwise,.
  

September 4, 2025 – Marine Park Declared

• The Cook Government announces a whole-of-gulf marine park, jointly managed with Traditional Owners 
• At least 30% of the park will be sanctuary zones, ensuring high-level protection of critical habitats and $5 million committed to coral restoration and marine heatwave recovery.

The Exmouth Gulf Marine Park is the result of decades of stewardship, science, and grassroots advocacy. The work, however, is not finished. Ongoing advocacy will be essential to optimize protected zones, prevent industrialization, and safeguard the Gulf for generations to come, especially in the face of mounting climate change impacts.