The SA Government is asking us to accept large areas of our coastal waters to be administered as general or multi-use marine parks.
In total, the proposed marine parks cover 46% of the State’s waters, including 70% of the South East.
As professional, charter and recreational fishing people we all support conservation of the marine environment, but we should not swallow the Government’s proposal hook, line and sinker.
For example, the current proposal is not based on identifying the real threats to marine habitats. It could all end in a waste of taxpayers' money. In fact, the Government’s own technical report concludes that the proposed “network has not been proclaimed in response to threats” to the marine environment. So what are the Government’s real motives then?
The current proposal also does nothing to help areas already under stress. Real areas under attack get no assistance. Problems in the Coorong and the dying sea grass beds off Adelaide are not considered in this package. Why have these areas been excluded?
In proposing marine parks, the Government has used words like “protect” and “preserve”, yet there is no explanation of how this will be carried out or what the threats are. The marine parks will have to be more than just lines on a map!
We are being asked to accept outer boundaries within which unknown management will protect unknown threats. Why should we agree to this?
- 46% of South Australian waters, including 70% of the South East as marine parks, to be placed under new – and costly – Government control.
- An uncertain future for professional, charter and recreational fishers about ever-expanding “no-take zones”.
- Jobs, exports, fresh seafood and fishing for fun at risk.
What should you do?
- Say NO to the current boundaries; say YES to identifying and protecting special areas under threat.
- Pressure the State Government to abandon the current boundary proposals – and let’s work together with the Government on any real threats to our marine environment.
