Greens Marine Environment and Fisheries Spokesperson and Member for Ballina Tamara Smith has called on the Baird Government to show leadership and abandon plans to revoke marine sanctuary protections across 10 sites in NSW to allow shore-based fishing.
The Baird Government yesterday launched a community consultation into plans to permanently remove sanctuary protections from 10 beaches and headlands in four of the state’s marine parks including two sites in the Cape Byron Marine Park in the Ballina electorate.
Ms Smith said, “Marine sanctuaries are vital to strengthening marine biodiversity, supporting local economies that rely on healthy
oceans and vibrant marine life and ensuring we have fish for the future.
“The Greens are calling on the community to respond loudly to the Government’s consultation and make clear that you want to see our marine sanctuaries strengthened, not weakened.
“It is shocking that less than 7% of the state’s waters are currently fully protected from fishing in marine sanctuaries
“The North Coast is a fishing community and you need fish to fish but fishing, pollution and poor water quality in our local rivers is contributing to declining health of the ocean and fish stocks. Australian and International scientists say we need 20-30% of marine areas protected in sanctuaries to ensure the resilience and health of marine life into the future. We have a long way to go in NSW.
“The Government is on the wrong side on this issue with 90% of recreational fishers supporting no-take marine sanctuaries.
“In my local community two important areas are set to have their protections stripped - one on Tyagarah Beach south of Brunswick Heads and one on the eastern side of Cape Byron.
“I’m not prepared to let these changes through and am calling on the local community to make their voice heard and respond to the Government’s consultation. I am sure the many groups and businesses with an interest in healthy oceans and vibrant marine ecosystems will be making clear their opposition to the plan, Ms Smith said.
The consultation is open for submissions until 13 November. The Government’s web portal for submissions is here.
More information:
The affected beaches and headlands include:
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:
- Celito South
- Fiona Beach
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
Media Contact: Amy Phillips: 02 6686 7522 or 0429 196 694