With corals newly added to the IUCN Red List of threatened and endangered species, The Australian Greens are backing the call by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to declare the Coral Sea a marine protected area.

"The Government needs to implement effective management and protection of this globally significant region. This region is virtually unprotected, and is facing immediate pressures from legal and illegal fishing, as well as long term impacts from climate change. " said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"In the most recent IUCN Red List, coral has been listed as critically endangered for the first time. Now, more than ever, we need to take immediate action to protect this living wonder, as our coral is fast disappearing."

"This could be our last chance to protect important coral habitats for Australia's future generations."

"We urge the Australian Government to declare the entire Coral Sea region as a marine protected area, which includes a comprehensive network of marine sanctuaries" said Senator Siewert.