Environment minister Tanya Plibersek has approved the expansion of Macquarie Island's marine park, nearly tripling its size. 

The isolated island, located between Hobart and Antarctica, is home to many key species, including up to 100,000 seals, 4 million penguins (including the unique royal penguin), and vulnerable seabirds. 

The island was added to the World Heritage List in 1997, and in 1999, the marine park was established to protect the waters off the island's southeast coast, spanning 162,000 square kilometres. 

The government's decision now adds an additional 385,000 square kilometres of water, fully encompassing the island. 

About 93 per cent of the expanded park, an area larger than Germany, will be closed to fishing, mining, and other extractive activities. 

“This will be a huge win for ocean protection,” Ms Plibersek says. 

The proposal was met with support from conservationists but raised concerns among commercial fisheries operating in the area. 

However, after public consultation and considering feedback from the sustainable commercial fishing industry, the minister assured that the expansion would not significantly impact their operations. 

The expanded marine park is expected to be established by July 1st and will contribute to Australia's marine conservation efforts, which will now cover over 48 per cent of the country's oceans.