On 12 March 2013, the NSW O’Farrell Government announced they would allow recreational fishing in marine sanctuary zones by allowing line fishing from the shore at beaches and headlands. AMCS was appalled by this move which undermines the fundamental and scientifically based principles of marine sanctuaries, and encourages illegal fishing from beaches and headlands in sanctuary zones. After two years of campaigning and a massive groundswell of community concern, the NSW Baird Government restored protection in 20 of the 30 sanctuary zones. Unfortunately 10 zones remain unprotected – we continue to encourage the Government to restore these final sanctuaries. Just 7% of the NSW coastline is protected in marine sanctuaries. In every poll conducted in NSW over the past 5 years on the issue of marine protection, support for marine sanctuaries among the general public and fishers alike has averaged 70-90%. Marine sanctuaries that extend right to the shore are backed by Australia’s peak marine science organisations and are scientifically proven to protect biodiversity and restore fish stocks.
Check out our campaign for a Sydney Marine Park!
What are we fighting for?
Off the coast of New South Wales warm tropical currents meet and mix with cool temperate seas creating world class marine life on the doorstep of our most populated state. With the help of the East Australian Current, marine life travel south from the Great Barrier Reef to visit or reside in these waters. It is the combination of mixing tropical and temperate seas and the incredible seascape which includes underwater mountain chains, deep sea canyons, islands and reefs that result in a unique mix of creatures found nowhere else on Earth. These waters are home to the majestic humpback whale, critically endangered grey nurse sharks, the threatened black cod, weedy sea-dragons, little penguins, fur seals and unique subtropical corals. Near the coast of Coffs Harbour are a group of islands called the Solitary Islands. Here species normally found in temperate southern waters swim amongst tropical corals. The mixing of tropical, subtropical and temperate species makes this place extremely unique. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is home to a range of threatened and protected species such as the grey nurse shark, black cod, marine turtles, whales, shore birds and even rare marine algae. Further down on the south coast, 200kms past Sydney, lies Jervis Bay, a place renowned for its long white beaches and crystal clear waters. This precious Bay is a haven for divers and snorkelers alike, and is treasured for its extensive seagrass meadows, dolphins, turtles, weedy sea-dragons, and undersea caves.
Out in the deeper waters of the New South Wales coast, exists 3 chains of giant underwater mountains teeming with life – the Tasmantid chain, the Lord Howe rise and the Norfolk ridge. These coral encrusted underwater volcanoes rise from the seafloor approximately 4,800 metres making them more than twice the size of Mt Kosciuszko and support hundreds of species, including many previously unknown to science.