(1) The main purpose of this Act is to provide for conservation of the marine environment.
(2) The purpose is to be achieved by a comprehensive and integrated strategy that involves, among other things, each of the following--
(a) the declaration of marine parks;
(b) the establishment of--
(i) zones, designated areas and highly protected areas within marine parks; and
(ii) zoning plans and management plans;
(c) the cooperative involvement of public authorities and other interested groups and persons, including members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
(d) the cooperative implementation of Australia's international responsibilities, and intergovernmental agreements and instruments;
(e) a coordinated and integrated approach with other environment conservation legislation;
(f) recognition of the cultural, economic, environmental and social relationships between marine parks and other areas, whether of water or land;
(g) the provision of opportunities for public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the marine environment;
(h) application of the precautionary principle in decision-making processes;
(i) monitoring and enforcing compliance with this Act.
(3) Also, the Commonwealth and the State have agreed that, in conserving marine parks, the State is to maintain, as far as practicable, legislation in line with the Commonwealth Act.