GREEN groups have been quick to react to federal Environment Minister Tony Burke’s release of a draft plan for a series of marine parks in Commonwealth waters off Australia’s East Coast.
A joint press release issued by the Wilderness Society, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Humane Society International and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, has called for the government to go further and expand the proposed marine reserves that make up the Temperate East Marine region.
“We are calling for the establishment of a network of marine sanctuaries that meet international scientific benchamrks for protection. Unfortunately, this was not achieved in the current draft,” said Nicola Bowskill from the Wilderness Society.
In what may be considered a sign green groups are finally differentiating between recreational and commercial fishing practices, the release states that the proposal “fails to protect the offshore wildlife in other important areas from oil and gas exploration and damaging fishing techniques.”
“The Australian lifestyle relies on the good health of our oceans and marine reserves are a critical tool to restoring and maintaining the health. If not strengthened, the current plan would miss a major opportunity ti omprove ocean health and build resilience in the face of climate change and other threats”, said Pepe Clarke of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
Members of the general public now have a three month period to comment on the federal government’s planned East Coast marine parks. Make your voice heard HERE.
