Plans to expand protected Sydney marine parks

THE famous Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve could be tripled in size and three other aquatic reserves on the northern beaches could be expanded under a plan to better protect Sydney’s marine life.

An aerial images above Shelly Beach, which is part of Cabbage Tree Bay Reserve. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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THE Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve could be tripled in size and three other aquatic reserves on the northern beaches could be expanded and included in the proposed Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion covering the coast between Newcastle and Wollongong.

The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve could be expanded from 18ha to 52ha by being extended south to Blue Fish Point.

Cabbage Tree Bay is home to a diverse range of marine life. Picture: Elaine de Jager

The aquatic reserve in North Harbour would be expanded to include Fairlight and Spring Cove.

The aquatic reserve at Long Reef would be expanded to include adjacent intertidal reefs, the reserve at Narrabeen Head would remain unchanged, the aquatic reserve at Barrenjoey Head would be expanded and a special zone would extend for 200m around Lion Island and impose a speed limit on boats to reduce the risk of boats striking penguins.

The proposed marine park would include existing intertidal protection areas at Bungan Head, Mona Vale, Dee Why Head and in Sydney Harbour.

The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve could be tripled in size and three other aquatic reserves on the northern beaches could be expanded. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Manly MP James Griffin is urging residents to have their say on the proposed marine park changes, which would include 25 sites from Newcastle to Wollongong aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity.

“These two sites in Manly have been carefully analysed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority following extensive community consultation and now we want to hear whether they meet the community’s expectation,” he said.

Divers explore Cabbage Tree Bay. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Nature Conservation Council of NSW spokeswoman Sharnie Connell said everyone should celebrate the proposal.

“It means places like Cabbage Tree Bay, Spring Cove in North Harbour, and Fairlight could be fully protected in sanctuary zones so that fish and marine life can build up their numbers,” she said.

Go to marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment to have your say.