The Lord Howe Province marine bioregion is a unique and ecologically significant area located in the Tasman Sea, about 600 kilometres east of the Australian mainland.

It encompasses the waters surrounding Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, as well as the submerged volcanic peaks of the Lord Howe Seamount Chain. This region lies at the intersection of tropical and temperate ocean currents, creating a diverse range of habitats, from coral reefs and sandy lagoons to deeper seamount environments.

The combination of geographic isolation and diverse habitats has resulted in a high level of endemic marine species, making the bioregion an area of global biodiversity significance. Warm tropical currents provide Lord Howe Island with the southernmost fringing reef in the world and the island is teeming with marine life.

Marine protected areas play a crucial role in conserving the unique habitats and species of the Lord Howe Province marine bioregion. A number of marine sanctuaries have been established in state and commonwealth waters to ensure that the Province’s unique marine biodiversity are adequately protected.

Marine sanctuaries have been established at:  

• Lord Howe Island Marine Park | 4,600ha | 28% sanctuary

• Lord Howe Marine Park | 1,100,000ha | 8% sanctuary

• Gifford Marine Park | 58,000ha | 0% sanctuary