South Australia has a unique and diverse marine environment. Over 6000 species live our waters, with up to 90% of these species not found anywhere else, yet less than 1% is protected to conserve diversity. With marine species and ecosystems under increasing stress, it has never been more important to provide protection for our marine environment.
Many people are surprised that despite the widespread support for national parks, no marine equivalent exists. Conservation SA has been part of a 10 year campaign that received bilateral political support to ensure the extraordinary diversity and significance of our marine life is adequately protected into the future.
The science is clear; the establishment of a network of marine parks that have at their core a series of effective and highly protected sanctuary zones is the best way to conserve biodiversity.
Back in the late 1990's conservationists were working with Government on planning towards Marine Parks. In 2006 a historic marine conservation sector alliance was formed to ensure marine conservation had a powerful ally. In 2007 The State Government established 19 Marine Parks in South Australia's waters which was a significant step towards protection; however management plans and zoning (including sanctuary zones) are required, to provide real protection.
Sanctuary zones have been shown to offer amazing benefits to marine life including massive increases in biomass, abundance and species diversity. Other beneficial spin-offs have included boosting stocks of popular fish species and increased tourism. These refuges have the potential to give us some insight into what the marine ecosystem was like in the past, as well as give us valuable reference points on which to base future management decisions.
As the peak body for conservation groups across South Australia, Conservation SA is committed to achieving strong conservation outcomes for the marine environment.Conservation SA strongly supports the South Australian Marine Conservation Alliance (SAMCA) and its recent position statement on marine parks.
Conservation SA strongly supports the establishment of a network of these Sanctuary Zones within the 19 Marine Parks by the SA government. Conservation SA is committed to achieving a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of marine parks in the full belief that a healthy and resilient marine environment will ultimately benefit all South Australians, now and into the future.
For further information contact the Community Conservation Officer, Kathryn Warhurst on 8223 5155 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
