More than 270 leading marine scientists from 84 research institutes have formally urged Australia's environment minister, Murray Watt, to implement stronger protections for the nation's marine ecosystems. This collective appeal comes as a critical, once-in-a-decade review of Australia's marine park management plans is currently underway. The scientists contend that the current network of highly protected marine parks disproportionately designates remote, less-frequented areas, leaving vital and fragile coastal zones with inadequate safeguards. This strategic placement, they argue, fails to effectively protect the most unique and distinct marine environments, which are often found closer to shore and are more susceptible to human impact and environmental change. The core of the scientists' concern is that the existing marine park system prioritizes areas with minimal human traffic, effectively protecting "places no one goes," rather than addressing the ecological needs of biodiversity hotspots and sensitive habitats located in more accessible, yet vulnerable, coastal waters. These coastal areas are frequently subject to pressures from fishing, shipping, pollution, and the impacts of climate change, such as ocean warming and acidification. The scientists' letter highlights a significant disconnect between the stated goals of marine conservation and the practical implementation of Australia's marine park network. They are advocating for a revised approach that centers on the ecological significance and vulnerability of marine environments, irrespective of their remoteness. This initiative is part of a broader push to ensure that Australia's marine protected areas are ecologically effective and contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. The review of the marine park management plans provides a crucial opportunity to reassess and potentially reconfigure the network to better align with scientific understanding of marine biodiversity and ecological processes. The scientists emphasize that robust marine protected areas are essential for maintaining healthy oceans, which in turn support vital ecosystem services, including fisheries, coastal protection, and climate regulation. Their call to action underscores the urgency of prioritizing conservation efforts in areas that are most critical for marine life and most threatened by anthropogenic activities. The scientists' collective voice represents a significant body of expertise, drawn from numerous research institutions across Australia and internationally. Their unified stance aims to influence policy decisions during the current review process, pushing for a more science-driven and effective strategy for marine conservation. By focusing on the need to protect unique and distinct marine ecosystems, particularly those in coastal areas, they are advocating for a paradigm shift in how marine protected areas are designated and managed, moving beyond simply setting aside large tracts of ocean to a more targeted and impactful approach to safeguarding marine biodiversity.