DIRECT ANSWERS ON MARINE PARKS

Leigh Harris, Manager of Jervis Bay Marine Park, was guest speaker at the quarterly meeting of The Coastwatchers Association on Saturday. Members and visitors heard "straight from the horses mouth" how a marine park actually works.

In his presentation Mr Harris explained that Marine Parks in NSW each have their own scientist and work with others in universities, Fisheries and the Dept of Conservation to develop and implement research and monitoring programs. So far in their monitoring of shallow sub-tidal reefs they have detected more and bigger Morwong and Bream in sanctuary zones at Jervis Bay but results are too early for release. They are also looking at how the Marine Park is affecting the small animals that live in estuarine mud. Future projects include pelagic fish, benthic fish on deep patch reefs, monitoring dolphins and seal populations and looking at the effect of developments in the catchment and estuaries on Jervis Bay Marine Park.

Other research projects will look at the economics of the Marine Park. When questioned about this Mr Harris said that he talks to business people and others all the time and has not heard of any negative impact on existing businesses in Jervis Bay. "Fishing remains about the same and nature tourism such as diving and sea-kayaking is growing. There is general support for the Park now although some are critical of signage."

This led to a question about how people can tell where boundaries are. "Fishers don't seem to have much trouble finding their favourite spots. In the same ways they can tell where they are pretty accurately by using landmarks, GIS readings and noting the marker buoys," Mr Harris replied. He went on to say how the 5 staff spent the first 12 months just helping people interpret the widely distributed users guide maps and booklets. Now they work with Fisheries and Maritime NSW to ensure compliance but cases are judged on their merits - an accidental infringement is not treated the same as a repeat offence.

Mr Harris urged everyone to take every opportunity to have their say on the Batemans Marine Park. Questionnaires are widely available and more are being mailed to households

BATEMANS MARINE PARK

The new park is named after the Batemans Shelf bioregion but Coastwatchers Association would like it to be given a different name such as the Eurobodalla or Nature Coast Marine Park so that it is of wider economic benefit to the areas it borders.

"Protection of the environment of the Eurobodalla Shire was by far the top priority of most participants in surveys done by IRIS research. Beaches, estuaries and coastal waters were particularly mentioned," said Jenny Edwards, Coastwatchers Secretary. "Our Association believes that most people will be delighted with the Marine Park once it gets established,"

"There are enormous and growing pressures, not just on fish but on all sorts of marine life. The Marine Park is a way of co-ordinating management of the coastal waters for the benefit of present and future generations," Mrs Edwards said.

If you are one of the many people who want to see our marine environment protected then Coastwatchers can help with suggestions on points to include in answers to the Marine Park questionnaire. Email coastwatchers@green.net.au or phone 4471 5032.

The deadline for returning the questionnaire is Friday 24 March 2006