Commonwealth North-west Bioregional Marine Plan comment

Submissions are due on the 28th November 2011 for comment on the North-West Bioregional Marine Plan.

Recfishwest sees value in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which form part of the national representative system in Australian waters, based on biodiversity protection and sustainability of fisheries resources, as identified through independent peer reviewed science. Recfishwest does not however, support no take/no fishing/sanctuary zones – where the establishment of these zones lacks sound scientific justification.

Federal Government is under significant pressure from green groups to create substantial areas of sanctuary zones, areas that are not supported by science and which cannot be justified, especially as the social and economic costs of such changes are yet to be quantified.

Evidence presented by conservation groups to support marine parks has primarily been based on examples from third-world countries with no effective fisheries management. Many Australian fisheries are in fact improving, not getting worse. The Government must recognise the existing conservation values of the recreational fishing community and the significant concessions made by fishers over the years with the objective of sustaining and improving Australian fisheries.

Recfishwest recommends that submissions on the North-west Bioregional Marine Plan are based on the following points. Submissions should be sent to;  

Submissions.Northwest@environment.gov.au

Or online:

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/consultation/submission-form-north-west.html

A summary of Recfishwest’s submission for the proposal is itemised below;

We have no objection to the current location and zoning of the following proposed reserves;

Proposed Abrolhos (Wallaby Extension) marine reserve

Proposed Carnarvon Canyon marine reserve

Proposed Eighty Mile Beach marine reserve

Proposed Joseph Bonaparte Gulf marine reserve

Proposed Oceanic Shoals marine reserve

 

Proposed Shark Bay marine reserve

·         We have no objection to the proposed reserve and zoning boundaries. We support the zoning of this Marine Reserve as Multiple Use (IUCN VI).

·         The waters west of Dirk Hartog Island and Shark Bay are of high importance to both charter boat operators and recreational fishers.  The towns of Denham and Carnarvon are key access points for recreational fishers.  Many recreational fishers visit these towns to experience the high quality fishing this region has to offer. Both demersal and pelagic fish species are targeted including snapper, tuna, dolphin fish, billfish and mackerel.  Recreational fishing provides important social and economic benefits to these towns and surrounding areas. 

Proposed Kalbarri marine reserve

·         We have no objection to the proposed reserve and zoning boundaries. We support the zoning of this Marine Reserve as Multiple Use (IUCN VI).

Proposed Gascoyne marine reserve

·         No objection to the current location and zoning.

·         The waters of Ningaloo and the Muiron islands are highly valued by the recreational fishing sector.

·         Ningaloo coastline is an iconic fishing location, one which draws tourism to the area from all over the world. The accessibility to the waters of the Gascoyne region is integral to the economical and social benefits of the area.

Proposed Pilbara marine reserve

·         No objection to the current location and zoning.

·         The Rowley Shoals are an important destination of recreational fishers.

Proposed Kimberley marine reserve

·         We do NOT support this marine reserve in its proposed form.

·         We recommend that a 30 nautical mile buffer around the tip of the Dampier Peninsular (Cape Leveque) will allow recreational fishing related activities and infrastructure to grow.

·          The development of recreational charter fishing operations on the Dampier Peninsular provides great opportunity for economic participation in indigenous communities; one of the key objectives of the ‘Closing the Gap’ policy.

·         Fishing in the Kimberley is one of the most significant drawcards to the region. It is not simply an extractive process, but an experience that acknowledges the complete environment, builds social relationships, enhances cultural awareness and significantly contributes to the local economy in a sustainably managed way.

·         Both locals and visitors to the area consider recreational fishing to be one of the most important recreational activities of the Kimberley. In the Kimberley recreational fishing is a vector for family, friends and cultures to unite, bond, develop and discover the unique region.

 

We also suggest that submissions are sent to your local Federal parliament representative;

Name

Electorate

Address

Postal address

Email

Barry Haase

Durak

4/34 Frederick St
Broome WA 6725

 

PO Box 1856
Broome WA 6725 

 

Barry.Haase.MP@aph.gov.au

 

Gary Gray

Brand

1/15 Kent St
Rockingham
WA 6168

1/15 Kent St
Rockingham
WA 6168

Gary.Gray.MP@aph.gov.au

Don Randall

Canning

2851 Albany Hwy
Kelmscott WA 6111

PO Box 465
Kelmscott WA 6111

Don.Randall.MP@aph.gov.au

Luke Simpkins

Cowan

Shop 3, Kingsway Shopping Centre
Madeley WA 6065

PO Box 219
Kingsway WA 6065 

See website contact form

Julie Bishop

Curtin

414 Rokeby Rd
Subiaco WA 6008

PO Box 2010,
Subiaco WA 6904

Julie.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au

Nola Marino

Forrest

Unit 3, 9 Cassowary Bend
Eaton WA 6232

Unit 3, 9 Cassowary Bend
Eaton WA 6232

Nola.Marino.MP@aph.gov.au

Melissa Park

Fremantle

62 Wray Ave
Fremantle WA 6160

PO Box 1224
Fremantle WA 6959

See website contact form

Ken Wyatt

Hasluck

Shop 10-12 Forrestfield Forum, 80 Hale Rd
Forrestfield WA 6058

PO Box 325
Forrestfield WA 6058 

See website contact form

Mal Washer

Moore

3 Boas Ave
Joondalup WA 6027

3 Boas Ave
Joondalup WA 6027

Mal.Washer.MP@aph.gov.au

Tony Crook

O’Connor

345 Hannan St
Kalgoorlie WA 6430

OR

Shop 5, The Link Shopping Centre
St Emilie Wy
Albany WA 6330

PO Box 10415
Kalgoorlie WA 6433

OR

PO Box 5077
Albany WA 6332 

See website contact form

Judi Moylan

Pearce

490 Great Eastern Hwy
Greenmount WA 6056

PO Box 1005
Midland WA 6936

J.Moylan.MP@aph.gov.au

Stephen Smith

Perth

953A Beaufort St
Inglewood WA 6932

PO Box 901
Inglewood WA 6932

Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au

Michael Keenan

Stirling

203 Wanneroo Rd
Tuart Hill WA 6060

PO Box 261
Osborne Park WA 6917

See website contact form

Steve Irons

Swan

2-4 Mint St
East Victoria Park WA 6101

PO Box 1060
East Victoria Park WA 6981 

See website contact form

Dennis Jensen

Tangney

6-8 Aveley St
Willetton WA 6155

PO Box 329
Willetton WA 6955 

Dennis.Jensen.MP@aph.gov.au