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Creation of the Parks and Current Zoning
Both Jervis Bay Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park were created in 1998. (Their zoning plans came into effect in 2002). This is the first opportunity to comment on the zoning in the parks since their creation and there will not be another opportunity before 2018.

Both parks contain an amazing array of biodiversity. Yet, the current zoning of the parks does not provide adequate protection for the marine life within them and a variety of activities continue to negatively impact the parks.

Review Submission Process
NPA~Marine has been lobbying to improve the current inadequate protection of these parks, asking for an increase in sanctuary zone protection. We attended meetings during the intial review period and have completed a joint submission with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and The Wilderness Society to the Marine Parks Authority for the first reviews of these parks. In addition, hundreds of NPA~Marine members supported our efforts using our e-lobby forms. Thanks to all those in the network who helped generate submissions during this process.

Community Support
It was also encouraging to see strong and diverse community support for both of these parks and for a better sanctuary network for NSW during the submission process. This support is well-reflected in local community surveys indicating nearly 90% support for conservation of the marine environment in Jervis Bay and more than 80% support for conservation of the marine park in the Solitary Islands. Importantly, this level of support is similar among fishers and non-fishers. More specifically, wide-spread support also exists for sanctuary zones, with upwards of 80% of respondents in both Jervis Bay and the Solitary Islands in favour of these fully protected areas.

Moving Forward
NPA is looking forward to working on getting better zoning for both Jervis Bay Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park during the review process. And we look forward to sharing positive news on the marine parks and sanctuaries front.

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