The Greens have come out in defence of Marine Parks following what they are calling the dangerously short-sighted attack on them by the Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro.
Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro Catherine Moore said today that the benefits of marine parks and no-take sanctuary zones are enormous, as repeatedly demonstrated in scientific studies from Australia and overseas.
“Marine parks go a long way towards stopping the decline in fish stocks and giving them a chance to regenerate, so fishing quality for recreational anglers is not only preserved but will be improved over time.
“Both the Narooma and Bateman’s Bay Chambers of Commerce and have come out in support of Marine Parks, with local businesses reporting that the region is booming, and car parks at boat ramps packed full.
“Furthermore, volunteer coastal patrols at Bateman’s Bay have reported increased boat traffic, and fishing magazines consistently speak well of the Bateman’s Marine Park, using expressions like ‘South Coast fishing on fire’ and ‘as good as it gets’.
“They attribute this directly to the creation of the Bateman’s Marine Park.
“It is divisive and misleading for candidates to be talking about huge job losses when commercial fishing can still take place in certain areas, and these areas are negotiated with all stakeholders as part of the zoning process.
“It is just as essential that we have Marine Parks as it is that we have National Parks on land. At a time when we have been endangering the survival of so many species, we need to ask ourselves – do we care about biodiversity or do we not?
“It is irresponsible to say the least to be sprouting short-sighted, populist statements denigrating marine reserves and their benefits when all the evidence points to the contrary.“