In July 2012, the Australian Government released the final version of a proposed network of marine reserves in Commonwealth waters.  The proposal increases the number of marine reserves from 27 to 60, providing for the protection of 3.1 million square kilometres or more than a third of Commonwealth waters.  It is the culmination of Australia's international commitment to establish a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of marine reserves by 2012.  Dr Nicole Hill from the University of Tasmania describes how they are planning to monitor such large expanse of protected area.