A three-and-a-half month public consultation program into proposed changes to the Solitary Islands (northern NSW) and Jervis Bay (NSW South Coast) marine park zoning plans is now into its second month.
The key proposed changes to the Solitary Islands marine park are:
• An increase of sanctuary zones from 12 to 20 per cent
• Habitat protection zones would decrease from 54 to 52 per cent
• General use zones would decrease from 34 to 28 per cent
• Special purpose zones will remain around 0.1 per cent of the park
Proposed changes reflect submissions from the community to the review process, such as fixing zoning to reduce the complexity of rounded boundaries, and improving access to key fishing spots near Bare Bluff, Groper Island and Minnie Water Back Beach.
Under the key proposed changes to the Jervis Bay Marine Park:
* Sanctuary zones would remain at 20 per cent of the park
* Habitat protection zones would increase from 72 to 74 per cent of the park
* General use zones would decrease from 8 to 6 per cent of the park
* Special purpose zones would remain at 0.2 per cent of the park
Proposed changes include improvements to boating access at Hare Bay, prohibiting trawling in the park, and restrictions on powered vessels at Honeymoon Bay and Hyams Beach.
More information at: www.mpa.nsw.gov.au
