Australia says it will create the world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea.

The Environment Ministry says the area has shallow reefs that support tropical ecosystems with sharks, coral, sponges and many fish species.

The proposal includes seas beyond the already protected Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off north-east Australia.

The reserve would cover almost 400,000 square miles (nearly one million square kms).

Fishing would be allowed in parts of the reserve. Some conservationists raised concern such exceptions would make management of the reserve more difficult.

The proposal announced is now open for a 90-day comment period.