Caught between the tides of development – housing, tourism, recreation, transport and industry - and rising sea level and associated climate-change impacts, the future for our coast looks bleak. For example 28 per cent of our estuaries are modified or extensively modified.

Looking out to sea, the situation is also grim. Australia’s oceans are vast, close to twice the area of our land. Many of our marine species are uniquely Australian – up to 90 per cent of those living in our southern waters are found nowhere else. But these treasures are under threat. Fishing has significantly reduced the abundance of ocean life, and climate change, land-based pollution, introduced pests and habitat damage are also taking their toll.

Unfortunately the patchwork of Australia's ocean laws are inadequate for resolving many marine problems, while our coastal planning and management frameworks are failing to cope. A national and integrated response is required if we are to protect our marine and coastal environments, economies and lifestyles.