The Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act regulates the placement of artificial reefs within Australian waters, where the purpose of the reef is: increasing or concentrating populations of marine plants and animals or being used in human recreational activities for example, scuba diving, fishing, and surfing. For these purposes, persons or organisations seeking to place artificial reefs need a sea dumping permit. The National Artificial Reef Guidelines are designed to assist when considering the placement of an artificial reef in Australian waters. The guidelines seek to provide clear, consistent standards and criteria for the development of artificial reefs, and for assessing artificial reef applications. The National Artificial Reef Guidelines and the London Convention and Protocol/UNEP Guidelines for the Placement of Artificial Reefs provide the basis for assessment of applications seeking a sea dumping permit for placement of artificial reefs.