The Greens are backing a loser in sanctuary zones.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/31/3178332.htmI have tried on numerous occasions to point out how misdirected this intent to help the marine environment is.
Worse I heard total misrepresentations of the science on the radio this morning from you Cate. The science is not cut and dried as you profess. It is not appropriate to take coral reef marine papers and hope the fisheries act the same as our temperate waters. The major issue on the east coast is estuary and river health and water quality- not fishing. Fish kills and loss of recruitment and demise of food webs is an overwhelmingly bigger issue.
The Greens have publically continued to forget to add the important detail to deliver benefits from marine parks,....they will work only when applied correctly to the correct places, with the threats to the fishery appropriately identified, and fixed.
Please get back to the addressing the real issues, instead of alienating a large segment of the community (fishers) for bugger all socio-economic or environmental gain.
The solution you seek must bring fishers with you.
Focus on catchment health and water quality and the rewards you seek for the environment will be there for all to share.
Why not come out with a strong position on the estuary management plan as the front and centre position statement.
The Richmond should arguable be the biggest fish generating river in NSW, creating hundreds of tonnes of fish for >2000km of coast. Yet it is totally buggered- the oyster industry is lost- why not put them front and centre of your campaign- support the community. Get oysters back in the river alive.
Anglers should be your best ally, yet as a party you are making them your direct enemy. Why?
It pains me to see this continued delusional, unscientific approach.
Please change,... and soon.
Matt
Dr Matt Landos BVSc(HonsI)MACVS
Director, Future Fisheries Veterinary Service Pty Ltd
