Premier, the Humpbacks are arriving in the Kimberley – but where’s their marine park?

Joint Media Release
The Wilderness Society WA Inc, Environs Kimberley, WWF, WDCS, AMCS, WA Conservation Council
June 12 2010

Premier Colin Barnett must explain why there are still no plans released for a marine park to protect one the world’s most important Humpback Whale nurseries on the Kimberley coast, leading WA conservation organisations said today.

A full page advertisement in today’s Western Australian newspaper has urged the Premier to keep his promise to protect Camden Sound and the surrounding region “forever”.

More than 22,000 humpbacks – the world’s largest population – migrate from Antarctica each year to breed and birth in the coastal waters between Broome and Camden Sound on the Kimberley Coast.

Wilderness Society State Coordinator Peter Robertson said environment groups were increasingly worried about the failure of the WA Government to release plans for the promised marine park and that protection for the incredible marine environment would not meet scientific benchmarks.

“There has been delay after delay and everything we are hearing is that protective measures within the park are being watered down

“Only large marine sanctuaries will ensure the amazing marine life in this region is able to breed and feed without the effects of industrial development and overfishing”, he said
 
“There is every indication that commercial fishing will continue throughout the marine park putting marine life at risk.”

Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard said the Premier had talked a lot about protection for the Kimberley, but to date had failed to deliver.

“The Premier needs to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.  He needs to demonstrate to the Western Australia community that he is genuine about protecting a part of the world that is as important as the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon.

“Done properly, this new marine park will not only protect amazing natural values but also provide significant economic and employment benefits for local communities including nature-based tourism.”

 “This would be the most robust and fairest approach to planning in this region” he said.