SA’s marine parks being reviewed, outcome will determine if fishing industry makes more compensation claims
AN independent review into the state’s 19 marine parks and 83 sanctuary zones will consider the economic effects on the commercial fishing industry — and could lead to multimillion-dollar compo claims.
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AN independent review into the state’s 19 marine parks and 83 sanctuary zones will consider the economic effects on the commercial fishing industry.
The review, to be completed by the end of the year, will determine if the fishing industry pulls the trigger on millions of dollars worth of compensation claims.
Wildcatch Fishers SA and the South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association say their operators are going broke due to the “no-take” zones.
One “substantial” compensation claim is already being considered by Environment Minister David Speirs, but more are expected to be lodged pending the review outcome.
Northern Zone Lobster Fishermen’s Association executive officer Kyri Toumazos estimated its 63 fishers had lost in excess of $30 million due to the “no take” zones.
“There are 80 no-take areas and we want an amendment to a possible 12 of those,” he said.
“We as an industry want to come up with a workable solution so the taxpayer doesn’t need to outlay the amount of money required if we don’t have access to those areas,” he said.
The previous Labor government established the marine parks to protect marine life and established sanctuary zones that ban fishing and commercial activity.
A private members bill by Liberal MP Michelle Lensink to reduce fishing restrictions in 12 zones was defeated by one vote in 2014.
It was still these 12 zones the industry wanted amended and included waters near Ceduna, Elliston, Neptune Island, Port Wakefield and Kingscote.
Lobster exporter Andrew Ferguson said the zones had been “economically disastrous not only for the fishing industry but all regional towns” who relied on the sector.
A five-year status report on the parks, released in January, found insufficient time had passed for changes in size, abundance and biodiversity of biota to become evident.
Mr Speirs said any legislative changes prompted by the review would be brought to Parliament early next year.
The northern zone’s rock lobster season opens on November 1.
The catch-quota has been scaled back for a third year in a row to 296 tonnes.
