Reasons given for marine park invalid - letter to Narooma News

Letters to the editor
Wednesday, 14 December 2005

Marine Sanctuary Zone

The Marine Parks Authority media release reads "The State Government will declare a new 85,000 hectare multiple-use marine park on the NSW south coast to protect important marine habitats, bolster fish stocks and boost tourism in the area."

However Fisheries Minister, Ian MacDonald wrote in a letter to fishers only weeks ago: "Marine parks in NSW are not declared as a fisheries management tool nor for the purpose of protecting or enhancing specific fisheries."

MacDonald is right. Mainstream science, including our very own CSIRO, discredits the use of sanctuary zones as a legitimate fisheries management tool.

When the sanctuary zones for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park were declared, a Queensland Government survey revealed that 42% of people gave up fishing. Tourism businesses in Cairns have commenced a class action against the authorities for losses. So much for tourism.

As for these important habitats, they are repeatedly described as "pristine" in NSW government biodiversity studies. Even after 100 years of fishing!

The real reason for this Political Park is a lust for power and a trade off for green preferences.

Our advice: whenever you here the words "marine park", check your wallet because you know that you have been had.

Rod Burston

Spokesman for the NSW Fishing Clubs Association