No fishing zones central to WA marine park plan

10 'special purpose' surfing zones will be created alongside 15 fishing sanctuary zones under the Western Australia Government's marine park plan for the South-West of the State.

Under the Ngari Capes Marine Park plan, commercial fishing will be banned along sections of the South-West coast. The park, one of six planned for WA, will cover about 124,000 hectares of coastal waters from Geographe Bay near Busselton to Augusta.

A total of 15 sanctuary zones will be created to protect the breeding grounds of fish, signalling an end to commercial fishing in those areas. Recreational fishing will still be allowed from the shore line in 93% of the areas.

In addition, 10 special purpose zones for surfing will be created, two special purpose zones for shore-based activities, two recreation zones and a general use zone.

Introducing the plan Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the Ngari Capes Marine Park would help to conserve one of WA's "most remarkable marine areas" and would be created by using Royalties for Regions funding.

Premier Barnett stated "as I have previously said, arguably the most important benefit of this period of economic growth is to ensure the protection of the State's unique environment for future generations."

Environmental groups have welcomed the park, but have called for the protected zones to be extended.

Michelle Grady, from the Pew Environment Group, the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, said it was vital the Federal Government created marine sanctuaries in adjacent waters to protect WA's unique marine life and "rule out the threat of oil spills off Margaret River."

"Australia's southwest waters have greater diversity than the Great Barrier Reef, and much of it is unique, not found anywhere else in the world. Despite this, only 1% of the region is protected."

Paul Gamblin, from WWF-Australia, said while commercial fishing would be banned off the Capes, the vast majority of the area would "still be open to fishing of all kinds."

Gamblin added "the Barnett government inherited this somewhat compromised proposal from another era, nine years ago.

"Now the government has an opportunity with its own process in the Kimberley to listen to scientists and deliver something outstanding for that region. That will be the real measure of its commitment to marine conservation."

Five other marine parks are planned for WA. Four will be established in the Kimberley, while another has been proposed for the Dampier Archipelago.

Tim Nicol from the Conservation Council of WA stated that "the declaration of the marine park also comes as Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke is considering new marine parks for the commonwealth waters of Geographe Bay and the Capes region, with a decision expected by the middle of this year.

"The pressure is now on for the Federal Government to also do their bit to protect this iconic coastline."

Image: Geographe Bay.

10th February 2011 - WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST SHOW CAVE REOPENS

2nd October 2010 - $20 MILLION BOOST FOR CONSERVATION AND NATURE-BASED TOURISM IN WA 

18th January 2010 - WORLD HERITAGE NOMINATION FOR NINGALOO 

9th October 2009 - NEW PROGRAM TO OFFER UNIQUE NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCES