8 March 2005Marine Protected Area Short on Protection
Today the South Australian Government announced its first marine park under the states new system of marine protected areas.
The Conservation Council of SA welcomes the release of the draft zoning plan for the Encounter Marine Park by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Hill, but is concerned that the area of high protection is inadequate.
The southern waters of Australia are referred to as the unique south , as up to 90% of the species occur nowhere else in the world.
Whilst we recognise the Governments attempt to provide adequate protection, very little of this park is properly protected said Catherine Way, Campaign Coordinator of CCSA.
It is internationally recognised that a minimum of 30% of the marine environment should be protected to ensure a healthy marine environment for future generations. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Queensland is fully protected in 33% of its area.
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park in WA has 34% of its area fully protected.
Only 13% of the Encounter Marine Park is fully protected, which represents a mere 2.5% of the Gulf St. Vincent marine environment.
It is disappointing to note that aquaculture development will still be allowed within the marine park. This is an example of conservation playing second fiddle to development. The Conservation Council is concerned with the delays in the roll-out of the South Australian Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. This park was promised in 2001 and it has taken until now to be released in draft form. We are still waiting for the other 18 proposed marine protected areas.
For further information, contact
Catherine Way (CCSA) 0411 028 930
