THE HON VERITY FIRTH MP

[Nete-Quette]

THE HON VERITY FIRTH MP

Minister for Climate Change, Environment and & Water (Environment)
Minister for Women, Minister for Science and Medical Research
 Minister Assisting theMinister for Health (Cancer)   In reply please quote: MD08/1885

Mr Phillip In gram
President
Anglers Action Group
PO Box 630
Narrabeen NSW 2101               (stamped 08 JUL 2008)

Dear Mr Ingram

Thank you for your letter of 18 May 2008 regarding the establishment of artificial reefs in NSW marine parks.

I am advised that the trial artificial reef project you refer to at Moreton Bay Marine Park in Queensland has multiple objectives, including providing for the commercial aquarium industry, recreational fishing, and repairing degraded areas of the Bay where coral reefs once thrived but were destroyed by dredging for concrete production. I appreciate the keen interest of angling groups in such an initiative.

While our key focus is on protecting and conserving natural reefs, a guiding policy on artificial reefs within NSW marine parks is currently under development to consider the circumstances in which they may be appropriate. It is expected to be finalized in late 2008, following consultation with the Marine Parks Advisory Council. The expertise of both the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Environment and Climate Change is being drawn on in developing the policy.

I am aware that the Department of Primary Industries is undertaking a pilot offshore artificial reef project with the support of the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trust. This project will help improve our knowledge and understanding of the effects of artificial reefs in the NSW marine environment, and assist the assessment of future projects.

If you would like to further discuss the policy that is being developed, please contact Mr Adrian Toovey, Manager, Aquatic Protected Areas, Department of Environment and Climate Change, on telephone 9585 6589.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.


Yours sincerely

Verity Firth MP
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment

[sandfly]

                      Will the artificial reef in the Cape Byron Marine Park ever happen whilst we have beaurocracy fidling with the effort.  The money's there but the government policies stall all attempts.

[Ken]

Not a chance of anything happening. Remember Artificial and environment are mutually opposed to the 'paddo green preservationists'