Tasmania’s marine environment: unique, wild, threatened…
Environment Tasmania is working towards establishing a network of marine reserves to protect Tasmania’s unique and incredible marine ecosystems and wildlife, and to develop a culture of stewardship for the marine environment in the community.
OCEAN PLANET….Environment Tasmania’s Marine Campaign
World class
Tasmania has one of the most spectacular marine and coastal environments in the world, with around 90% of species found only in southern Australia (endemic). Sub-Antarctic processes and isolation have combined to develop an environment extremely diverse and rich in unique species. From kelp forests to ancient sponge gardens, onshore and offshore reefs, drowned river valleys and over 1,100 species of seaweeds, Tasmania’s marine environment has one of the most diverse range of ecosystems in Australia.
These wild and diverse environments are home to an extraordinary range of wildlife including penguins, sea dragons, migratory whales, dolphins, seals, crustaceans, molluscs, over 600 species of fish including the endangered handfish family, and the unique live-bearing seastar Patiriella vivipara.
Under threat
There are intense pressures on our global and local marine wildlife, with fish populations being plundered until collapse, more than half the world’s coral reefs either dead or dying, and millions of birds, fish and mammals killed as by-catch. We are fast realizing that contrary to past popular belief, our oceans are not an infinite resource.
Many threats such as invading marine pests like the long spined urchin Centrostephanus, warming waters and ocean acidification from climate change, recreational and commercial fishing, coastal development, pollution and lack of protection, are compounding to create huge problems in our marine environment. In Tasmania, they are wiping out kelp forests, degrading habitat for important commercial species such as rock lobster and abalone, endangering our unique wildlife like the Handfish, and making it hard to find old recreational fishing favourites like the Trumpeter.
Protecting our future
Internationally, marine national parks (or marine protected areas [MPAs] or reserves) are considered the central tool in protecting marine biodiversity, with scientists recommending full protection of at least 30% of every habitat.
Marine national parks are just like national parks on land. They are areas where you can swim, surf, and dive, but you can’t take anything out (no fishing or mining). These areas protect the diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife, build the health and resilience of the environment, and provide valuable scientific reference areas.
The establishment of a national representative system of marine national parks is a key responsibility and obligation under a number of conventions and strategies endorsed by international, Australian, and Tasmanian governments. The Australian Government has a stated commitment to establish a network of marine protected areas in 10% of each region by 2012.
Next steps for Tasmania
Currently just 1% of Tasmania’s marine environment is fully protected in 6 marine national parks. There is also a large reserve around Macquarie Island, which is often quoted to boost this figure of protection up to 5%, however this is a sub-Antarctic island with no permanent residents. However we do have a well-developed Tasmanian Marine Protected Area (MPA) Strategy that aims to establish protected areas in every marine region in line with our national and international commitments.
The Government recently announced the creation of 14 new marine protected areas in the Bruny Bioregion that allow most recreational and commercial fishing activities, ignoring the recommendations of the Resource and Planning Development Commission (RPDC) that was charged with developing the reserve proposal in line with the Tasmanian MPA Strategy. This decision is incredibly disappointing as it does not meet the objectives in the Tasmanian MPA Strategy, and is considered a lose-lose situation for all Tasmanians as the unique and amazing biodiversity of this region will not be protected and we will continue to see declines in population numbers and diversity.
The Tasmanian Government must:
– Implement the education objectives of the Tasmanian MPA Strategy as a matter of urgency, that clearly state public education about the values and benefits of Tasmania’s marine environment and marine national parks is a priority;
– Conduct a concurrent state-wide inquiry into the establishment of the representative system of marine national parks in line with the Tasmanian MPA strategy;
– Increase resources for the management of marine national parks across Tasmania.
YOU can help!
There are many easy ways that you can help protect Tasmania’s marine environment:
1. Make a donation to Environment Tasmania to help keep this crucial campaign going. Click on the DONATE button on the top right of this page.
2. Sign up to our regular marine campaign e-bulletin. You’ll receive approximately one email per week on the latest news, events and ways to get involved in protecting Tasmania’s marine environment. Email [email protected] to sign up, or click on the BECOME A FRIEND OF ET button on the top right side of this page.
3. Volunteer your valuable research, writing, public education, networking, organising, creative, design or spare-time skills with our campaign! Contact us on [email protected] or call 6224 6319
4. Write a letter of concern to your local MP, the Minister for the Environment, The Hon Michelle O’Byrne, and the Premier, The Hon David Bartlett. Send us a copy too.