A senior Mirning Elder and the South Australian government have joined calls for the Great Australian Bight and its marine life to be protected from oil and gas drilling.

Senior whale song man and Mirning Elder, Marbanu Bunna Lawrie told AAP the area needs to stop being polluted and start being protected.

"Our mob have been looking after this country and coastline for a long time," he said.

"We want to teach other people how to look after them."

"We call the sea our father, our grandfather," he said, adding that his tribe has more marine totems than any other tribe in Australia, including the whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, sea horse and sea birds.

Mr Lawrie's comments follow the announcement on Sunday the Greens will introduce federal and state legislation to secure protection status and safeguard the unique marine environment from pollution.

"The Great Australian Bight is a precious part of South Australia and it should be protected from oil drilling and pollution forever," Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Both the federal and state governments have been too slow in protecting the area."

An SA Government spokesperson told AAP it supports World Heritage recognition for the Great Australian Bight but the decision is a matter for the Commonwealth.

"While oil and gas exploration is not occurring in the Bight due largely to a lack of economic viability, World Heritage status would elevate international recognition for this jewel in our natural environment."

"Environment Minister Susan Close has written to the Commonwealth and has made in person representations, urging them to consider the listing," they said.

Research in November 2019 suggested most South Australians want the Great Australian Bight on the World Heritage List.

The Australia Institute poll of more than 500 people found 84 per cent support world heritage protection, up from 77 per cent in March.

The survey also showed that 66 per cent believe the bight would be a more productive asset for SA as a marine park than as an oil field.

The decision to lobby for World Heritage protection has been announced a week before a by-election in Black, caused by resignation of disgraced former Liberal Leader David Speirs.

Caitlin Powell - AAP