NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service - Re Torn Blue Fringe

[Nete-Quette]

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Our reference: MD08/4942

Mr Phillip Ingram
President
Anglers Action Group
PO Box 630
NARRABEEN NSW 2101

Dear Mr Ingram

Thank you for your letter of 25 November 2008 to the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, the Hon Carmel Tebbutt MP, regarding the National Park?s Association (NPA) report, The Torn Blue Fringe. Your letter has been referred to the Department of Environment abd Climate Change for response. I apologise for the delay.

The National Parks Association is a non-government organisation and its report has generated significant community debate.

It is important to note that the NSW Government has not accepted the recommendations in the NPA report. The report has been referred to the Marine Parks Authority for analysis and advice.

The NSW Government has a strong commitment to consulting and working with communities to achieve improvements in marine conservation. Marine Parks are an important strategy in this conservation approach and we now have six marine parks covering approximately 345 000 hectares (or one third) of NSW waters to help do this.

At the same time, the NSW Government also recognises that there are other ways to protect our precious marine environment. For example, the coastal area between Newcastle and Shellharbour already contains 10 aquatic reserves and 17 National Parks and nature reserves that include marine habitats.

I also want to clarify the inaccurate claim that total fishing bans apply in the State?s marine parks. The simple fact is that between 72.5% and 88% of marine parks remain available for fishing.

The NSW Government?s present priorities are to complete reviews of the zoning plans for two parks ? Solitary Island and Jervis Bay. These reviews are undergoing active public consultation to ensure they continue to meet their objectives and continue to balance the interests of park users and conservation.

While the NSW Government has indicated that it has no plans for additional marine parks at this time, we will ensure that our existing marine parks continue to protect marine biodiversity and provide opportunities for sustainable use and enjoyment.

Thank you for raising your concerns with me. I trust this information is of assistance.
Yours sincerely


Michael Wright
Director Protected Areas Policy and Programs
Parks and Wildlife

[Open Oyster]

 What this letter fails to show is that the 17.5% to 12% of marine parks to which Fishers are "locked out" are always the most productive in the park. Macdonald and his green mates know this. Why won't they acknowledge the fact and consult with recreational fishers.

[JustLookin]

You've got to be worried about the "no plans for additional marine parks at this time".  It's only a matter of time...

[CEO]

 Nope, not worried at all. We know how it happens. After all ECOfishers has been through this issue six times before.  No point in worrying about it. Worying doesn't address anything.