Consultation on a new network of marine protected areas between Newcastle and Wollongong have been announced by the NSW Government as the community advocates for a Sydney Marine Park Proposal.
The new marine proposal would improve protection of 25 sites down the east coast including new sanctuary zones off North Harbour, Camp Cove and Chowder Bay.
NSW Greens Marine spokesperson, Justin Field says they support the movement for greater marine protection and urge the community to get around the marine park over the next 6 weeks of public consultation.
"The ocean's never been under more pressure from climate impacts, major storm events, pollution and historical overfishing so putting some areas aside is critically important".
The area of sanctuary falls short of other marine parks in NSW at just 2.4% of the region but is a step forward towards protecting marine life and coastal environments
Justin Field welcomed the marine estate plan and urged the NSW Government to be more ambitious with the creation of a single, continuous marine park rather than 25 discrete protected sites.
"I would have liked to have seen the Government commit to a full marine park", he continued, "the zones are a really good start and are a recognition that marine protected areas are critically important".
More than 90% of the NSW community, including fishers, support marine parks which are seen as a healthier marine environment for all.
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| Justin Field advocating. Image: Boomerang Alliance |
