The right move for our future.
Despite the difficulties, marine biodiversity and sustainability is worth the effort. It is clear our current marine management approaches are not working for all species, and additional solutions must be found or we increase the riskof species extinctions. Marine sanctuaries have the best chance of providing an efficient and cost-effective strategy to protect our marine biodiversity from multiple, cumulative, known and unknown threats. The success in developing the marine park network is important to South Australia's future in many ways, including:
- Securing the future: the initiative will assist in securing the future for the many unique species that inhabit South Australia's waters.
- Climate Change insurance: establishing marine parks should be seen as one of the arms of South Australia's response to the challenge of climate change. By ensuring the existence of sanctuary zones, marine species and ecosystems will be more resilient to changes in climatic conditions.
- Long-term ecotourism impact: South Australia has enormous potential for ecotourism ventures based around its unique and rich marine life. Without the protection of marine parks, there is no guarantee to prospective operators that these have long-term viability. The experience in the Great Barrier and Ningaloo Reefs are testament to the outcomes that can be achieved from well-planned marine parks. ? add links for info on the success of these MPs
- Fishing viability: while fishing management plans serve to manage the limits of a small number of commercial species, the long-term viability of a fishery depends on the entire web of species and habitats that support those commercial species. Without marine parks and sanctuary areas, there are no guarantees that this complex web can be sustained.
Marine sanctuaries are a vital step toward a secure and sustainable future for all South Australians.
