Sensitive coral reefs and pristine waters under threat

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ommercial fishing would be allowed in sensitive coral reefs and pristine waters off Australia under advice set to be presented to the Turnbull government that discards landmark marine protections, conservationists say.

Critics say the review of 40 marine reserves is also unlikely to curtail the oil and gas industry, which is pushing for better access to Australia's seabeds.

It follows the government's controversial decision to allow petroleum exploration in areas identified as marine sanctuaries while the review was under way. Read Nicole Hasham’s story in The Sydney Morning Herald - “Pristine oceans under threat from fishing and mining after government review, say conservationists”.