Pilbara and 80 Mile Beach planning process |
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why declare marine parks and reserves when so much of the coast is healthy? The primary objective of marine parks and reserves is to conserve the marine environment in a healthy condition for all users, both present and future. While it is true that majority of our coastline is healthy, there are localised impacts in some areas from human activities. Marine parks and reserves will help to manage the impacts of our activities on the marine environment for future generations. By managing our activities, marine parks and reserves help to ensure that our marine habitats and wildlife remain healthy and are better able to withstand increasing human pressures like pollution, fishing, mining and development. This ability to withstand pressure and recover over the long-term is called resilience. Can I still fish in marine parks?
As well as marine parks, there are two other categories of marine reserves in Western Australia. These are marine nature reserves and marine management areas. Fishing or extraction is not permitted in marine nature reserves and the only marine nature reserve in WA is at Hamelin Pool for the protection of stromatolites. Marine management areas allow for a variety of uses to occur. Of course, you are very welcome to swim, dive, snorkel and enjoy other low-impact activities throughout all marine parks and reserves. Why are marine parks zoned? Zoning provides for conservation while allowing sustainable recreational and commercial activities. While a range of activities are permitted in multiple-use marine reserves, the zoning system minimises conflict between users by establishing some zones for extractive activities (such as fishing) and other zones for undisturbed nature study and passive enjoyment of the natural environment. Sanctuary zones, where people can look but not take, are one of the most effective ways of protecting the nature conservation values within marine parks and this is their primary purpose. Such 'no take' areas play a vital role in preserving marine biodiversity and an important role in the long-term sustainable use of the living resources of the area. As all of the components of the marine ecosystem are protected, from seaweed through to shellfish and table fish, it means that people can enjoy viewing and using the marine environment for future generations. Sanctuary zones are fantastic spots for snorkellers and divers to view marine life in a relatively undisturbed condition. Scientists can also gain an understanding of the full range of species and their levels of abundance in such habitats. What are the benefits of sanctuary zones? Sanctuary or no take areas are used world-wide to protect areas of the marine environment and help to ensure that future generations can see the same range of marine plants and animals and undertake similar activities in these areas as we do today. Sanctuary zones do more than just protect plants, animals and ecosystems. They have a wide range of benefits for the community such as:
Further information on sanctuary zones can be found at: www.piscoweb.org/outreach/pubs/reserves How can I have input to the planning process? Prior to the creation of marine parks and reserves in the Pilbara and Eighty Mile Beach region a minimum three month public submission period on a draft indicative management plan is required. This provides an opportunity for interested stakeholders and the wider community to provide comments on the proposal. Public submissions on the indicative management plan (including proposed reserve type, location, zoning and permitted activities) will be analysed and changes made to the indicative management plan where appropriate.
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Yes. Marine parks in Western Australia are multiple-use and most include large areas where you can continue to enjoy fantastic fishing. There are some zones within marine parks where no fishing or extraction (such as mining or petroleum development) is allowed. These areas are very important for biodiversity conservation and in maintaining the quality fishing experience in the rest of the marine park.
