The Australian Greens today welcomed the release of a report on the economics of marine protected areas - saying that it showed that protected areas provide a win-win for the economy and the environment.

"Marine protected areas play a vital role in protecting our marine life, but as this report shows, they also play a key role in local economies as well," said Australian Greens Marine Spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert in Perth today.

"I've been a long-term advocate for marine protected areas in Western Australia and am pleased to see greater evidence and public understanding emerging of the crucial role they play in protecting our fisheries, building our tourism industries, and supporting Australia's unmatched coastal lifestyle."

"With the importance of protecting our wonderful marine life and fisheries finally being realised around the world, we urge Western Australians to take the lead - by putting in place a system of carefully-planned marine protected areas, starting with the South-West and Southern Coast," senator Siewert said.

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