Marine park proposal: Central Coast fishing spots impacted
COMMERCIAL fishermen and recreational anglers are likely to be the most affected by a proposed new system of marine parks along the Central Coast. Here’s what will change.
Central Coast
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COMMERCIAL fishermen and recreational anglers are likely to be the most affected by a proposed new system of marine parks along the Central Coast.
Seven biodiversity marine sites from Bird Island to Lion Island are included in State Government’s marine park proposal which seeks to dramatically boost protection of marine areas across 25 sites between Newcastle and Wollongong.
Coast sites include Lion Island, Bouddi National Park, the Ex-HMAS Adelaide, Forresters, the southern end of Bateau Bay to Wamberal Lagoon, Tuggerah Bay, Norah Head and Bird Island.
Many of the sites currently allow fishing activities, however under the proposal, a majority of fishing activities will be prohibited.
“This (marine park proposal) is a really good opportunity for our marine life and everyone who loves fishing, boating, diving and swimming,” Australian Marine Conservation Society chief executive officer Darren Kindleysides said.
Sydney Marine Park Campaigner Sharnie Connell said science shows sanctuary zones in marine parks work because they increase the diversity, size and abundance of marine life.
“Science-based sanctuary protection for the Sydney region will also secure a healthy blue
backyard for our boating, swimming, surfing and fishing lifestyle,” she said.
The Central Coast community has the opportunity to have their say on the proposal over the next six weeks. Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch has encouraged everyone from fishing clubs to diving operators and local businesses to give feedback.
“It’s vital to protect our marine environment, but also ensure that the thousands of locals and visitors with a fishing licence are able to continue using our beaches to enjoy recreational fishing,” Mr Crouch said.
The proposed sites and rules across the Coast are outlined below.
Bird Island
■ A 674 hectare sanctuary zone including areas of shallow and deep reef
■ Aim is to enhance the conservation of marine biodiversity and reduce risk to threatened and protected species
■ Recreational and commercial fishing currently takes place in this area
■ Under new proposed rules, fishing of any kind (commercial and recreational), hand gathering and collecting will be prohibited
■ Activities including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, recreational boating and Aboriginal cultural will be permitted
Norah Head
■ A 20 hectare sanctuary zone is proposed on the northern side of Norah Head, immediately east of the boat ramp
■ This area is popular for recreational line fishing and spearfishing — however these activities were identified as threats to the zone
■ Under proposed management rules, fishing, spearfishing and charter fishing would be prohibited to “provide comprehensive protection for fish assemblages and threatened and protected marine species”
■ Boating, anchoring, scuba diving and snorkelling and Aboriginal cultural and heritage use will be permitted
Tuggerah Bay
■ A 461 hectare sanctuary zone is proposed along the shoreline of Tuggerah Bay, to “better conserve the dense seagrass beds in the shallow waters”. The area has also been identified
as having value as a “scientific reference site”
■ Under the proposal, fishing, spearfishing, hand gathering of marine vegetation and collecting would be prohibited
■ Boating, anchoring, scuba diving and snorkelling and Aboriginal cultural and heritage use will be permitted, however anchoring in seagrass will be prohibited
Forresters
■ The proposed Forresters site is between Bateau Bay and Wamberal Lagoon, including Crackneck Point, the rocky shores adjacent to Wyrrabalong Nature Reserve, Forresters Beach and Wamberal Beach. It also extends seaward to the three-nautical-mile limit of state waters
■ The site proposed covers 3430 hectares, with 586 hectare sanctuary zone along the shoreline, from the southern end of Bateau Bay south to the entrance to Wamberal Lagoon and a 2844 hectare conservation zone (see map below).
■ All extractive activities (including recreational and commercial fishing) would be prohibited in the proposed sanctuary zone
■ In the proposed conservation zone, all fishing would be prohibited except for lobster and abalone fishing
Ex-HMAS Adelaide
■ The Ex-HMAS Adelaide, off Avoca Beach is a proposed sanctuary zone
■ Fishing activities are currently prohibited at the site, with no new rules under the new proposal
■ Diving/snorkelling will still be permitted
Bouddi
■ The proposed Bouddi site is on the northern shore of Broken Bay, adjacent to the Bouddi National Park
■ An expansion to the existing protected area is proposed, covering the shoreline from the southern headland of Little Beach, southwest along the shoreline to Gerrin Point, and seaward to include an area of 1484 hectares
■ All types of fishing will be prohibited in the proposed site, however boating, anchoring, scuba diving/snorkelling and Aboriginal cultural use will be allowed
Lion Island
■ A special purpose zone proposal will cover a 45 hectare area, within 200 metres of Lion Island. The waters are home to the little penguin
■ Lion Island is classified as a nature reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act
■ Fishing is permitted at the site, and there are no changes to fishing laws under the new proposal. However hand gathering and collecting marine vegetation would be prohibited
■ Under the proposal, boat speed limits of 8 knots are proposed in all waters within 200 metres of Lion Island. This is to reduce the risk of a boat hitting a little penguin
Have your say
Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to provide feedback
Community information booths will be held at:
■ Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club on September 7 from 8am-12pm
■ Memorial Park The Entrance on September 8 from 8am-12pm and 2pm-4:30pm
■ Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club on September 9 from 8am-12pm
■ Killcare Surf Life Saving Club on September 9 from 8am-12pm.