The three eras of Australian practice on MPAs: the interaction between national and international law and policy

Australia has attempted to position itself as a world leader in Marine Protected Area (MPA) practice through leveraging its significant national MPA network as well as its heavy involvement in the creation of high seas MPAs in the Antarctic. However, the quality of Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice have separately been subject to similar and convincing critiques. Despite this, little research exists which highlights how these two levels of law-making may interact regarding MPAs. Hence, the question to be addressed is: ‘How does Australia’s domestic and international MPA practice interact?’ Through drawing upon middle power theory to characterise this interaction, three distinct eras of practice can be observed: 1990–2000, 2001–2012 and 2013–present. By understanding the common interactions between the national and international levels of law making across these eras, it is possible to better understand the motivations behind Australia’s international MPA practice, as well as to anticipate future actions.