The Federal Government is extending the zone for radio and satellite tracking of ships in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off Queensland.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the zone will be extended from around Mackay down to Bundaberg.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority recommendation will also require the agreement of the International Maritime Authority.
Maritime authorities says the zone was already being reviewed when a ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Shen Neng 1 hit Douglas Shoal east of Rockhampton just over a fortnight ago.
Australian Federal Police have arrested two men in connection with the grounding of the Shen Neng 1.
The master of the vessel, a 47-year-old Chinese man, has been charged with liability for a vessel causing damage in a marine park.
The maximum penalty for the charge is a $55,000 fine.
Another Chinese man, aged 44, has been charged with being the person in charge of a vessel within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, causing damage to the marine park.
The maximum penalty for that offence is three years’ jail and/or a $220,000 fine.
