The oceans off Australia’s South West region host some of the most spectacular and unique marine life in the world. Nearly nine out of ten marine species in these waters exist nowhere else on the planet. Thousands of species of fish, seabirds, sharks, dolphins and turtles live, breed and feed in the South West’s waters. The endangered blue whale feeds in this area. Incredible underwater features can also be found in the waters of the South West, such as one of Australia's tallest underwater mountain ranges, and deep sea canyons, including one larger than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Take a virtual tour of Australia’s South West marine region.

The South West’s marine life rivals the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Despite this, very little of the South West's waters are protected from the impacts of overfishing and ocean pollution, including oil spills. In fact, less than one percent of the 1.3 million square kilometer (501, 933 square mile) region is currently under protection.