Australia’s marine parks protect ‘places no one goes’ rather than fragile waters near the mainland, scientists say

Hundreds of experts write to environment minister calling for stronger protections for ‘unique and distinct’ marine ecosystemsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government has been accused of leaving waters near the mainland largely unprotected by establishing the bulk of highly protected marine parks in remote areas.More than 270 leading marine scientists from 84 research institutes have written to the environment minister, Murray Watt, urging stronger protections for marine ecosystems, as a once-in-a-decade review of marine parks gets under way. Continue reading...