The marine park covers an area of 583 km2 (225 sq mi) and is assigned IUCN category Ia.

[4] The Ashmore Reef Marine Park is within an area known as the MOU Box, a region that permits for continued Indonesian traditional fishing and access.

[citation needed] In 2003 the nature reserve was recognised as a wetland of international importance due to the importance of its islands providing a resting place for migratory shorebirds and supporting large seabird breeding colonies.

[4]: 121 The Ashmore Reef Marine Park has been assigned IUCN protected area category Ia.

[4] The following table is a summary of the zoning rules within the Ashmore Reef Marine Park:[4]