We’re now at the vital next step in this marine park journey: the government is asking for your view on the park management plans which is crucial to securing world-class marine protection.

The oceans surrounding Christmas and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands provide a critical haven for marine life, but it’s also under increasing pressure from industrial fishing and climate change.

From ocean surveillance to research and ranger funding, there are so many ways strong management plans can help marine environments.

Thousands of kilometres north-west from Perth, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are among the most unspoiled tropical island environments left in the world.

Famous for its annual red crab migration, Christmas Island’s thriving rainforests, deserted beaches and fringing reef provide a haven for unique and rare seabirds, land crabs and marine life.

And Cocos (Keeling) Islands are Australia's secret island paradise. Sitting atop an ancient sea mountain encircling a beautiful tropical lagoon, our azure waters are home to an incredible array of diverse marine life including tropical fish, corals, turtles, manta rays and dolphins.

But over the years we have watched illegal fishing increasing. We can see the lights of the industrial fishing boats on the horizon and their gear gets washed up on to our shore.

You and your readers can help us to ask for strong management plans to protect our islands from the destructive threat of over-fishing and the growing pressures our oceans increasingly face from global warming.

The ocean is central to our daily life. It’s part of who we are as islanders. It’s our classroom, our workplace, our food supply and our identity. We’ve cared for our oceans for generations and will continue to do so.

Now it's time to secure globally significant protection through the best possible management plans for our unique and special islands.

* Aindil Minkon is Shire President of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Read here for information about how you can help