Final plans for state's 19 marine parks released by SA Government
FINAL plans for 19 marine parks off the state's coast - including smaller "no-take" zones in some areas - have been released by the State Government.
FINAL plans for 19 marine parks off the state's coast - including smaller "no-take" zones in some areas - have been released by the State Government.
ANGLERS who repeatedly fish in new no-take zones inside marine parks will face fines of $315 - but the bans will not come into effect for two years.
The State Government yesterday released the final zoning for 19 marine parks off the state's coast.
The new zones - which can be downloaded here - take effect from today but fishing restrictions will be phased in over two years.
Some no-take zones - where fishing is banned - have been reduced, while new zones have been added following consultation.
Bans on trawling will come into force in March next year and all other fishing restrictions will be in place by October 2014.
Environment Department marine parks manager Chris Thomas said people who fished in the no-take zones - to cover 6 per cent of state waters - would first receive a warning and repeat offenders would be fined $315.
He said the Government had received more than 8500 public submissions which sparked changes including:
SHRINKING no-take zones at Western Kangaroo Island, Coorong Beach, Cap Island and Smoky Bay.
ALLOWING recreational shore fishing at Black Point, Chinaman's Hat and Cape Elizabeth on Yorke Peninsula, Port Arthur and Port Wakefield in the upper Gulf St Vincent and Cape Forbin, on Kangaroo Island.
ADDING sanctuary zones at Top Gallant Isles, Gunyah Beach and Western Cove on Kangaroo Island.
Port Wakefield residents are concerned no-take zones near the town will devastate the local economy.
Shack owners David Casey and Kate Court believe the no-take zones will mean fewer tourists and will affect house prices.
"I moved here for a bit of the fishing and lifestyle (which will change)," Ms Court said.
Fisheries Minister Gail Gago said the Government would buy out affected business but would not reveal how much had been budgeted for compensation.
Premier Jay Weatherill said commercial fishers would end up "selling their produce as being fished within marine parks" because the "idea of having clean seas is a very powerful marketing edge".
Opposition environment spokeswoman Vickie Chapman accused the Government of playing politics by delaying restrictions until after the March 2014 election.
