Marine Sanctuaries in NSW Consensus Statement

On the 22nd September the Coastwatchers Association agreed to be co-signatories to a Consensus Statement in support of the formation of Marine Protected Areas along the coast of NSW.

Mark Fleming, President of Coastwatchers said, "In signing this statement we are committing to the declaration of marine sanctuary zones on the Nature Coast that will protect the marine environment and marine species found in the region".

He continued," There is evidence over the past few years of a crisis in the marine environment with dwindling resources, disease effecting abalone and species on the brink of extinction. This situation cannot continue and it is time for the community to stand up and request action from all levels of government".

Apart from calling on the State Government to immediately establish a network of marine sanctuaries the Consensus Statement will also ask the Australian Government to establish complementary marine zones in Commonwealth waters beyond the 3 mile limit.

Mark Fleming said, "This is not a call for the coastal area to be locked up, in fact Marine Reserves are managed for a range of activities including commercial fishing, recreation and research/educational uses. Another reason for these areas to be better managed is the predicted population growth on the South Coast over the next 25 years that will see extra pressure brought to bear on our marine resources."

Currently less than 3% of the coastal waters of NSW are reserved in any manner with accepted scientific research identifying that a minimum of 20% is needed to ensure the long term survival of marine species and habitat.

For more information on the Marine Sanctuaries in NSW Consensus Statement visit www.sea.org.au