NSW Marine Park reviews welcomed

The Wilderness Society (Newcastle) Inc
National Parks Association of NSW
Total Environment Centre
Hunter Community Environment Centre

Joint Media Release
17 March 2008

Environment groups welcome the announcement of the Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay Marine Park reviews.

“Both established in 1998, the parks are the first of NSW’s six marine parks to be reviewed,” said Nicky Hammond of the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA).

“They are home to tropical and temperate species including the weedy sea-dragon, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and the critically endangered grey nurse shark.”

“This process offers an important opportunity to use the science and lessons learnt during the last decade to ensure their amazing marine life is sustainably managed,” said Cate Faehrmann of Nature Conservation Council.

“Marine parks are positive for NSW, showing benefits to tourism, marine life and proving popular with users. We look forward to building on the parks’ successes to
date to improve their conservation value.”

“The parks’ multiple use zoning plans currently protect certain areas as fully protected sanctuary zones,” continued Nicky Hammond of NPA. “However, 88% and
80% of the Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay Marine Parks respectively currently remain open to fishing.”

“This review process means we can improve sanctuary zones for key habitats such as those for the critically endangered grey nurse shark. We will also explore options for Jervis Bay Marine Park extensions to include deep water areas and shallow reef systems, important for marine biodiversity.”

“The current reviews of these marine parks may be the only chance in the next ten years to ensure these crown jewels of the NSW coast are properly safeguarded for future generations. With NSW’s habitats and ecosystems currently underrepresented in sanctuaries, this is an important opportunity.”

“With the CSIRO suggesting the Australian biodiversity most vulnerable to climate change is that of NSW coastal marine waters we must ensure that our biodiversity is protected to reduce the risk of population collapse when faced with future changes in conditions,” continued Sam East of The Wilderness Society. “Marine sanctuaries can help rebuild the resistance of our populations to collapse.”

“NSW’s marine parks are valuable playgrounds for the people of NSW and our visitors. We look forward to working with the local community and government on