“Restore Marine Park Sanctuary Zones for tourism, fishing and the environment” – Greens
“The Greens are committed to strengthening the Batemans Marine Park to ensure that it works to restore fish stocks and protect marine life,” according to Greens candidate for the Bega electorate, Margaret Perger.
Ms Perger said that a strong Marine Park is good for tourism, fishing and the environment.
“While I am happy that 20 of the 30 no take zones have been restored to their sanctuary status, this is not enough; and it is a pity that this set the program back 18 months.”
“It is an even bigger pity that the effectiveness of the Marine Park has been actively undermined by local Bega MP, Andrew Constance, who has subverted the beach sanctuary zones from day one.”
“Many of the sanctuary zones were in scientifically selected areas often adjacent to on-land National Parks. This protected the zones from the extra hazards of agricultural and urban run off and deadly pollution such as plastic bags.
“Just 7% of the NSW coastline is in a National Park and of that shoreline just 4% is in sanctuary zones, so nobody could seriously claim that there a shortage of places for beach fishing,” Ms Perger said.
“The case for strong Marine Parks was backed up in 2012 by the Liberals” own Independent Scientific Audit Report, which reaffirmed the crucial role that Marine Parks and sanctuaries play in protecting the unique marine life of NSW.
“It fairly and squarely demolished claims that Marine Parks and sanctuaries are based on ‘voodoo science’,” she said.
“As if overfishing is not a big enough challenge for recovering fish stocks, local fishing inspectors [1]“ have recently caught and charged someone for using an illegal commercial fishing net in a coastal lake.” Heavy penalties are needed to send a strong message that this kind of thing is not on.”
“The Greens stand for a full, immediate restoration and enforcement of all sanctuaries.”
“The scientific evidence certainly supports our position and opinion polls[2] show that we have overwhelming public support for it as well,” Ms Perger said.
[1] Bay Post, 21 January 2015
[2] Galaxy 2014 January 93%
23 February 2015
--Margaret Perger
Greens Candidate for Bega Electorate
0400 719 077Facebook: Margaret Perger, Greens Candidate for Bega 2015
Authorised by Margaret Perger PO Box 295 Moruya 2537
