The North West is ecologically complex and diverse. The seabed habitats of the North West Shelf support the highest biodiversity recorded anywhere in the world. They support a remarkable array of marine fauna, including tropical fish, turtles, hard and soft corals, sponges, and a great many crustaceans. The North West Shelf provides some of the best examples of tropical arid-zone mangroves in the world and reefs of great productivity and diversity are found relatively close inshore. Compared to tropical marine ecosystems in humid zones, those interfacing with arid zones such as the Pilbara have received little study; but enough is known to indicate that they have their own distinctive characteristics and sensitivities.

Major industries operate in this region recognised for its rich marine biodiversity. From the experience elsewhere in the world environmental quality and the ecological sustainability of industries, with their associated employment and wealth generation, may be compromised at some point unless development occurs in an integrated and ecologically-based management framework.

The principal objective of North West Shelf Joint Environmental Management Study (NWSJEMS) is to develop and demonstrate practical and science-based methods that support integrated regional planning and management of marine ecosystems to achieve ecologically sustainable development.

The study will provide an understanding of the marine environment, and the tools to aid and streamline management decision-making. This will help Governments avoid the mistakes made with our land resources, which are now costing industry and government billions of dollars to rectify.