Coral Sea marine park plan revealed

COMMERCIAL longline fishers are to be excluded from more than half of the Coral Sea under plans to create the world’s largest marine park.

The Federal Government has revealed its draft plan for a 989,842 sq m marine reserve outside of the Great Barrier Reef.

The proposed reserve has been split into four zones: three large sectors for multiple use, special purpose and marine national park, and protected habitats.

Each of the protected habitats have been established around known biodiversity hot spots such as Osprey, Shark, Marion and Saumarez reefs, and Willis Island.

They are to be only open to researchers, permitted charter fishing boats, and catch and release fishing.

The western-most sector, designated as marine national park, is only to be used by scientists, dive and snorkel tourists, and recreational and commercial boating.

Longline, gill net, demersal trawl, and purse seine fishing is to be excluded from the eastern-most sector, designated as a special purpose zone.

Longline fishing, however, is to be allowed to go ahead in the multiple use zone, in the southern-most sector, between Bowen and Bundaberg.

Longline vessels have operated in the Coral Sea since the 1950s, with north Queensland-based fleets targeting species including tuna and swordfish.

There has been no change to shipping, with restrictions to be possibly applied in sensitive areas.

The total reserve covers an area more than half the size of Queensland, with its closest point about 60km from the coast.

Environment Minister Tony Burke will launch the draft plan in Canberra today.

Mr Burke said the western side of the reserve had taken into account recreational and charter fishing as a use in the Coral Sea.

“Australia’s vast oceans provide a source of food and resources, and are a place of recreation,” he said.

“But we cannot afford to be
complacent.”

The draft plan has given much consideration to preserving habitat for threatened and migratory species such as whales, sharks, marine turtles and sea birds.

There has also been protection values placed upon World War II heritage sites, including the final resting places of sunken battleships USS Lexington, USS Sims and USS Neosho.

“There is no other part of Australia’s territory where so much comes together – pristine oceans, magnificent coral, a military history which has helped define us and now a clear proposal for permanent protection,” Mr Burke said.

The consultation period will close on February 24.

 

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