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Frequently Asked Questions

Are marine parks multiple use?

Yes. Marine parks are multiple use, meaning recreational and commercial fishing in the majority of the park is balanced by fully protected sanctuary zones in other areas of the
park. Fishers can continue to throw a line in whilst knowing other areas of the marine park are protecting our much loved and used waters.

Typically fishing continues in the vast majority of marine parks. It's all about providing better management for our oceans and a better balance to look after these waters for us all to enjoy into the future.

What's the science behind marine parks?

NSW has only 6.7% of its oceans in marine sanctuaries. International scientific
consensus calls for a minimum of 20%. Fish nursery grounds, sites for critically
endangered species and huge stretches of the NSW coastline, have been ignored for protection.

Whilst there is growing support from the international science community for networks of marine parks and marine sanctuaries, the same calls are being issues closer to home.

In May 2008 the NSW branch of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) released a consensus statement signed by 64 Australian marine scientists. The consensus statement supported the importance of marine parks for NSW, and in particular their sanctuary zones. The statement additionally backs the science behind these marine protected areas, linking to a list of over 250 scientific studies.

In January 2008 a media release was issued by AMSA in response to misinformation about the science behind marine parks. This media release stated:

"The enormous benefits of marine parks and no-take sanctuary zones for marine life and coastal communities have been demonstrated in scores of scientific studies from Australia and overseas. There is no reason to delay any longer the establishment of a comprehensive state-wide system of marine parks for NSW,"

Associate Professor Bill Gladstone
President AMSA NSW

and

"Misinformation on the evidence for, the value of, and the size of Sanctuary (no-take) areas currently circulating in the media is of concern. A major misconception is that large areas of the coast are 'locked up' when in fact fishing is prohibited in less than 7% of NSW coastal waters to protect areas of high biodiversity."

"This figure is well below world standard, which recommends at least 20% of marine habitat be protected from activities such as fishing."

"Another spurious claim is that there is no evidence for the effectiveness of marine parks to protect biodiversity and fished stocks. In fact, over 300 recent studies in Australia and overseas have affirmed the effectiveness of marine no-take areas, and some have shown fishery benefits."

Professor David Booth
Chief Scientist, Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences

Where can I download AMSA's consensus statement?

View the AMSA consensus statement here (PDF)

View the Jan 2009 AMSA media release here (PDF)

How will marine parks affect tourism?

Regular media reports from the Batemans Marine Park area - the most recently created NSW marine park- are stating the marine park is paying off for its locals, its tourists and its fish life. Tourism is reported to be booming in the area since the marine park was created in 2007.

Shoalhaven city council reports an increase in tourism from 1.12 million in the year ending 2007 to 1.26 in the year ending 2008. Eurobodalla Shire Tourism Manager said accommodation sales rose 27 per cent this summer whilst Eurobodalla Tourism says vacancy rates are at their lowest in three years.

Coffs Harbour City Council have stated they have seen 'significant benefits to the tourism industry flowing from the Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP) as well as benefits to the community through additional recreational marine pursuits and the SIMP is widely recognised as a major draw card to the region.'

Are marine parks popular?

Marine Parks have proved very popular in other areas where they have been created. The Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands Marine Parks showed over 80% support for the parks and their sanctuary zones in recent surveys. This support was consistent amongst fishers and non-fishers.

What about fishing?

Fishing reports from the Batemans Marine Park continue to be positive. Over the summer 2008/09 period there were regular media reports stating the recreational fishers were very happy with their catches since the creation of the marine park.

NPA considers fishing an important part of Australian culture and believes that a well developed marine sanctuaries network can help ensure that our kids and grandkids can continue to enjoy casting a line well into the future.

Unfortunately overfishing of our oceans has had a significant impact on our oceans. Both commercial and recreational fishing have played a role.

Marine habitats continue to be damaged by trawling and hauling. Whilst marine mammals, turtles and birds are threatened by lost fishing nets and gear and line fishing.

Targeting of certain species of fish has upset the natural balance of food webs. For example a reduction of species such as snapper which prey on urchins which in turn feed on kelp has transformed up to 50% of our inshore reefs into urchin barrens - large areas covered in urchins.

The targeting of the larger and more aggressive fish of populations also leads to genetic selection for smaller, slower maturing, less aggressive, and less productive fish which decreases productivity and decreases the stability of fish populations, making them more likely to collapse.

Marine sanctuaries can create the closest thing we can get to a natural marine environment. We can see marine life surge back to life with minimal human pressures. Giving sanctuary to marine life will benefit all user groups for generations to come.

How are fishers involved in the process?

Multiple use marine parks are about creating a better balance between protecting our marine environment and the activities of user groups.

Commercial and recreational fishers can have input to marine parks zonings, enabling them to help decide which sanctuary areas are set aside for conservation and which are open to different forms of fishing.

Commercial fishers are offered voluntary buyout packages from the NSW Government, offering opportunities to exit the industry if desired.

What about extensive studies on existing marine parks?

NPA would welcome detailed studies in existing marine park areas in NSW. However, not at the cost of stopping the necessary role out of marine parks across the state. There is already plenty of evidence that marine parks can improve marine life and local economies. Any detailed studies of these successes need to happen alongside creation of additional marine parks. The longer we wait to protect our marine environment, the higher the economic and environmental costs.

How can I help?

- DONATE TODAY and help us make Blue the new Green by calling
02 9299 0000

- Elobby

- Or click here to see what other ways you can assist the campaign

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