12 March, 2013
Fishing amnesty undermines conservation and the rule of law
The NSW Government’s extraordinary announcement today that it would turn a blind eye to illegal fishing from beaches and headlands in marine sanctuary zones undermines marine conservation and the rule of law in NSW, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
The government has advised that: “Fisheries and Marine Parks Officers will be instructed not to enforce restrictions that ban recreational line fishing in sanctuary zones on beaches and headlands until the new threat and risk assessments have been carried out”.
“The amnesty on illegal fishing is inconsistent with the intent and effectiveness of marine sanctuaries and condones unlawful behaviour,” said NCC Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke.
“The government assured the people of NSW when it ordered a review of the state’s marine protected areas that it was taking the politics out of marine management.
“It is clear from today’s announcement, however, that politics, not good policy, is at the heart of this government’s approach to certain aspects of marine conservation.
“This ill-conceived, political decision undermines the rule of law and pre-empts a full scientific assessment of the risks this decision poses to marine biodiversity.
“We are now reviewing maps of protected zones to assess the likely impact of this decision.”
The amnesty was part of a package of changes to the management of the marine estate in NSW, which included the creation of a Marine Estate Management Authority and the establishment of an Independent Expert Knowledge Panel.
“It is disappointing the government did not use this opportunity to lift its five-year ban on the creation of new marine protected areas,” Mr Clarke said.
“The conservation movement is deeply concerned that a review of marine zonings, also announced today, will result in a weakening of protections when many ocean ecosystems are under increasing pressure from pollution and over-exploitation and require more protection than ever.”
Mr Clarke said NCC acknowledged and welcomed the government’s decision to integrate management of the marine estate under one body, the new Marine Estate Management Authority, and the appointment of Dr Wendy Craik as authority’s independent chair.
“Ms Craik’s experience as chair of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and executive officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority make her a highly suitable choice for the position,” Mr Clarke said.
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Marine Conservation
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