Marine park outer boundaries a good start

The Wilderness Society (SA) Inc
Joint Media Release
23 July 2009

The conservation sector has welcomed Minister Weatherill’s announcement that the outer boundaries of South Australia’s marine park network will remain largely intact.  

The marine park outer boundaries were released for public comment in January of this year.  Over 2300 written submissions were received, the overwhelming majority of which were supportive of marine parks.  

The final boundaries released today account for approximately 44% of the State’s waters.   

The Wilderness Society SA’s Marine Campaigner, Shen Dycer said, “South Australia is home to a far greater level of unique marine life than the Great Barrier Reef – up to 90% of species found here are found nowhere else.  It’s high time we put some protections in place”.  

“These outer boundaries are a good start, but what really matters is we get the zoning right.  They will be pretend parks until we have sanctuary zones which prohibit mining and fishing”.  

“We will continue to work constructively with industry representatives and local communities to make sure that marine park zoning plans deliver great conservation and sustainability outcomes” she added.

According to Julie Pettett, CEO of the Conservation Council of SA, “Minister Weatherill should be congratulated for providing leadership and putting the future of South Australia’s coasts and oceans ahead of opposition from vested interests”.

Regional economies will benefit from marine parks.  “Well-designed marine parks with adequate sanctuary zones help replenish fish stocks and provide a big boost to the tourism sector” said Ms Pettett.

The conservation sector is calling for the creation of large marine park sanctuary zones to ensure the long-term survival of South Australia’s unique but currently unprotected marine life.   

“Marine sanctuaries, like national parks on land, create a safe haven for our marine wildlife and are places we can all visit and enjoy” said Shen Dycer, The Wilderness Society SA’s Marine Campaigner.

Ruth Beach from the Environmental Defender’s Office of SA says the marine parks program is the most significant conservation initiative this State has ever seen.  “The big question now is about zoning – will the Government continue to provide leadership by delivering real and effective protection for our unique marine life, or pretend parks which allow business as usual out there?"