Coral Sea: Tropical Marine Jewel

• The Coral Sea is a unique part of the Pacific and an Australian historical treasure.
• Some of the world’s most unique and globally significant marine species are found in the Coral Sea.
• More than 300 animal species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species are found in the Coral Sea.
• The Coral Sea has a rich maritime history. In May 1942, it was the site of a naval engagement that turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific.

Australia’s Coral Sea–located east of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef Marine Park–is one of the last remaining places on Earth where large marine animals can still be found in great numbers.  

Whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and sea birds make their homes in these waters. Spectacular coral reefs, remote islands, towering underwater mountains and deep-sea canyons are also found in the Coral Sea.

However, less than one percent of this tropical marine jewel is protected.

Through the Protect Our Coral Sea campaign, Global Ocean Legacy is working with Australian conservation organizations to help safeguard this unique area for the future.

View an interactive map of all our Global Ocean Legacy sites