Public Backs Marine Park - Manager
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday August 26, 2006
MOST people support a marine park off the South Coast, according to submissions to the State Government.
Batemans Marine Park manager Cameron Westaway has revealed that most of the 160 submissions support the plan.More than 200 people have attended four meetings since July, with another planned at Moruya for Wednesday.Public comment is welcome until October 15 on the hotly debated issue, with final zonings expected to be announced before Christmas."It's quite typical that there is a high degree of concern, but it's happening around Australia and around the world," Mr Westaway said."Marine parks are clearly recognised as the best way to sustain marine use."Commercial and recreational fishers say the draft zonings cull up to 90 per cent of their best areas."There are much more acceptable ways of managing the environment, including conservation through sustainable use," Rob Burston, of the NSW Fishing Clubs Association, said.He disputed claims fish stocks were collapsing and said experience in Queensland warned the local economy could be ruined."There is no rigorous scientific evidence supporting the zoning of this marine park or any other in NSW," he said."Our organisation has repeatedly requested that the Government provide us with the scientific justification for marine parks."The 3km-wide park stretches from Narooma to Bawley Point and was gazetted in April.Sanctuary and special purpose zones are not yet decided, along with those areas - about 80 per cent - where there will be no special restrictions.The park is one of several which aim to preserve Australia's marine biodiversity.
© 2006 Illawarra Mercury