In addition to the general protection provided to underwater heritage sites, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 also provides that an area containing protected underwater heritage may be declared to be a protected zone. These zones may be established for a number of reasons including conservation, management or public safety considerations. For example, sites may contain unexploded military ordnance or unstable structures; or require active management because the underwater heritage and its environment are particularly fragile or sensitive.
The size of protected zones vary and are tailored to suit individual site requirements. Most protected zones cover an area of around 200 hectares, but there is flexibility to declare a larger area around sites that are widely spread, for example, shipwrecks in deep water that have extensive debris fields on the sea floor.
The conduct that is prohibited in each zone is also tailored to suit individual protective or environmental conditions. Entry to some protected zones requires a permit to be obtained, which will specify the conditions of entry. Some protected zones allow vessels to transit through a protected zone without needing to obtain an access permit, while still prohibiting certain underwater activities, such as anchoring, mooring or diving in the area that does require a permit. A guide to the individual protected zones and their permitting requirements is available.
A Guide to the Protected Zones declared under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act (PDF - 73.1 KB)
A Guide to the Protected Zones declared under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act (DOCX - 89.6 KB)
Underwater Cultural Heritage Shipwreck Protected Zones
Underwater Cultural Heritage Shipwreck Protected Zones
Source: ERIN
Map of Underwater Cultural Heritage Shipwreck Protected Zones (PDF - 182.11 KB)