15 December 2015
7000+ submissions call for marine sanctuaries to be restored in NSW
The vast majority of the 7000 public submissions made to the NSW Government’s review of marine sanctuaries support restoring full environmental protections to these areas, according to the NSW Nature Conservation Council.
“The NSW community has overwhelmingly called on the Baird government to restore the state’s marine sanctuaries,” NCC CEO Kate Smolski said.
“People clearly understand that marine sanctuaries are essential for protecting marine life and the coastal lifestyles that make NSW such a great place to live.”
The submissions were in response to the Baird government’s proposal to permanently revoke sanctuary protections at 10 beaches and headlands across four marine parks in NSW, including Cape Byron, Solitary Islands, Port Stephens-Great Lakes, and Batemans.
“The results of the submission process reflect polling that has consistently shown more than 90% of the public, including recreational fishers, support marine sanctuaries,” MS Smolski said. [1]
“Australia’s leading marine scientists have also called on the government to restore full protections to our marine sanctuaries.
“The Ocean Science Council of Australia published a statement of concern urging the Government to act to restore marine sanctuary protections. [2]
“The Premier is known for his strong support for the marine environment and we are calling on him to honor the public process and the strong support of the scientific community and restore our marine sanctuaries.
“These zones improve biodiversity in the ocean and support activities people love, like fishing, snorkeling and diving.
“If you want to go fishing this summer you need fish, and sanctuary zones are the best way to ensure we have fish for the future.”
[1] January 2014 Galaxy poll of 1007 residents across NSW. 93% of respondents supported marine sanctuary free from fishing including 91% of recreational fishers.
More information:
The following beaches and headlands are proposed to have sanctuary protections removed:
Cape Byron Marine Park:
- Tyagarah Beach
- East Cape Byron
Solitary Islands Marine Park (near Coffs Harbour):
- Minnie Water Back Beach
- Bare Bluff to Diggers Point and Moonee Beach
Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park:
Bateman’s Marine Park:
- North Head
- Congo Point South Beach and Mullimburra Point to Bingie Beach
- Brou Beach
- Bullengella Beach and Bogola Head Beach to Loader Beach
Tags
Marine Conservation
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