Marine pollution in the Arafura and Timor Seas

The management of the Arafura and Timor Seas, which form a major part of the maritime boundary between Australia and Indonesia, is of significant economic and environmental importance to both countries. Information available indicates that much of the marine environment in the region is in near pristine condition. Increasing pressure is being placed on this environment through expanding shipping and fishing activity, urban and industrial development including mining, port expansion, oil and gas exploration and production, changing land use in catchments, and tourism. These activities are affecting water and sediment quality, habitats and marine biodiversity. This paper review the available information on marine pollution in the Arafura and Timor Seas, including assessments based on physical, social and economic features of the region. A number of proposals for maintaining the high quality of this environment are presented, including a well planned monitoring program covering key points in the region and an expanded oceanographic information base which would provide an early indication of changing pollution conditions.