THE federal government has announced plans to significantly expand marine protection zones across Victoria’s coast, a move that would create one of the world’s largest networks of “no-take” marine areas.<\/p>\n
Under the draft management plan for the South-east Marine Parks Network, the proposal would extend protections to cover an area larger than Ireland, according to Corangamite federal member\u00a0Libby Coker.<\/p>\n
“The ocean is part of our psyche \u2013 it really matters to the people who live here on the coast,” Ms Coker said.<\/p>\n
“It’s home to some of the most unique marine life in the world, including rare and threatened species like pygmy blue whales, shy and wandering albatross, and the southern elephant seal.”<\/p>\n
The proposal would prevent new oil and gas projects, including seismic testing, within the newly designated areas.<\/p>\n
New deep-sea mineral mining and other industrial activities would also be blocked.<\/p>\n
The announcement follows a recent decision to expand protections around Heard and McDonald Islands, bringing over half of Australia’s oceans under some level of protection.<\/p>\n
Australian Marine Conservation Society protected areas manager Adele Pedder said that by all indications, the draft management plan will improve protection for marine life.<\/p>\n
“Australia’s south-east continental waters contain some of the richest, most diverse life on the planet, but they are under the most pressure.<\/p>\n
“Three great oceans \u2013 the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans \u2013 combine to create an upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich water that turbocharges marine life in the region.<\/p>\n
“It’s home to blue whales, southern right whales, orcas, little penguins, dolphins, fur seals, leatherback sea turtles, southern bluefin tuna, fragile kelp forests and deep sea reefs.”<\/p>\n
However, Ms Pedder expressed concern that the proposed opening of some protected areas to commercial fishing could undermine the region’s biodiversity and recovery.<\/p>\n
According to Ms Coker, these changes will bring the entire South-east network to 86 per cent coverage in highly-protected “no-take” zones, which she described as an excellent outcome for coastal communities invested in marine conservation.<\/p>\n
The South-east Marine Parks Network covers 700,000sqkm and includes 14 marine parks spanning the coasts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.<\/p>\n
Ms Coker encouraged community members to review the draft plan and submit feedback via the consultation portal, which is open until November 14.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE federal government has announced plans to significantly expand marine protection zones across Victoria’s coast, a move that would create one of the world’s largest networks of “no-take” marine areas. Under the draft management plan for the South-east Marine Parks Network, the proposal would extend protections to cover an area larger than Ireland, according to […]<\/p>\n