Australia is responsible for managing one of the world’s largest and most complex marine jurisdictions. Increasing competition for ocean space—from shipping, fisheries and conservation to emerging industries—has intensified the need for effective, coordinated ocean governance. Meeting these challenges depends on translating marine science and spatial evidence into clear, timely and defensible policy and regulatory decisions.
Australia’s oceans are governed through multiple legislative and policy frameworks across Commonwealth, state and international jurisdictions. These overlapping arrangements make it difficult to interpret where activities, rights and environmental values intersect, increasing complexity and uncertainty for decision‑makers and stakeholders.
The Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS) is the Australian Government’s national digital platform supporting ocean governance. Maintained by Geoscience Australia, AMSIS integrates authoritative Commonwealth spatial information to provide a consistent view of maritime boundaries, regulatory zones, marine uses and protections. By combining scientific spatial data with legal and regulatory context, AMSIS enables users to understand what exists and where across Australia’s offshore domain.
This presentation demonstrates how AMSIS functions as foundational national digital infrastructure for ocean governance. By providing a shared and authoritative spatial evidence base, AMSIS improves transparency, supports cross‑portfolio coordination, and strengthens confidence in policy, regulatory and planning decisions that underpin the sustainable management of Australia’s marine jurisdiction.