What is the marine estate?
The NSW marine estate spans over 1 million hectares of ocean waters, estuaries, lakes, lagoons and islands; including the iconic Lord Howe Island.
Stretching from the Queensland border to Victoria (JPG, 2005.1 KB), it’s a vast and diverse ecosystem that supports life, livelihoods and leisure.
Why it matters
The marine estate is more than just water and coastline. It’s deeply connected to our identity, economy and wellbeing.
Everyone shares and benefits from these areas and the marine life they support.
- Enjoying a walk or a swim at the beach
- Going surfing, fishing, boating, snorkelling or diving
- Deriving an income through tourism, fishing or shipping
- Practising traditional cultures
- Appreciating nature.
By the numbers
- 826 beaches
- 185 estuaries and coastal lakes
- 6,500 km of estuarine and lake foreshores
- 1,750 km of ocean coastline
The marine estate contributes to our health and wellbeing and therefore it is critical these areas are well managed for the whole community.
Key agencies responsible for managing the marine estate are working together with our partners and community (PNG, 614.13 KB), to ensure these benefits are protected now and into the future while maintaining a balance between different uses.