Thursday June 14, 2012
Australia will create the world's largest network of marine parks as the world "turns a corner" on ocean protection, Environment Minister Tony Burke has announced. The network, announced this morning, is made up of five main zones in offshore waters surrounding every state and territory and includes a significant marine reserve as part of the North-West Region in commonwealth waters adjacent to KMRS, the Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve. This includes areas of Marine National Park (IUCN II) & a Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN IV). All reserves are in Commonwealth waters so offshore from the 3 nautical mile coastal limit. For more information, check out this ABC news article http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-14/burke-announces-marine-parks-reserve/4069532 or view the original maps and documents at http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/reserves/nw-kimberley.html.
Media release from the office of Hon tony Burke (Thursday June 14, 2012) available at http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke/2012/mr20120614.html Gillard government creates the world's biggest marine reserves networkThe Hon Tony Burke MPMinister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Gillard government creates the world's biggest marine reserves networkMedia release Australia's most precious ocean environments will be protected by the world's largest network of marine reserves created by the Gillard Government. Environment Minister Tony Burke today released the Government's final network of marine reserves which - once proclaimed under national environmental law - will increase the number of marine reserves from 27 to 60, expanding the national network to cover more than a third of Commonwealth waters. "For generations Australians have understood the need to preserve precious areas on land as national parks. Our oceans contain unique marine life which needs protection too," he said. "We have an incredible opportunity to turn the tide on protection of the oceans and Australia can lead the world in marine protection. "The maps I have released today are most comprehensive network of marine protected areas in the world and represent the largest addition to the conservation estate in Australia's history. "This new network of marine reserves will help ensure that Australia's diverse marine environment, and the life it supports, remain healthy, productive and resilient for future generations." The new marine reserves take the overall size of the Commonwealth marine reserves network to 3.1 million square kilometres, by far the largest representative network of marine protected areas in the world. Following the huge number of submissions received, protection has been increased for a number of iconic reefs in the Coral Sea Marine Reserve that are important for marine turtles and large ocean predators. Together the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Coral Sea Commonwealth marine reserve will become the largest adjoining marine protected area in the world, covering 1.3 million square kilometres. The national marine network features:
Mr Burke said over the past 12 months, the Government has consulted with marine and tourism business representatives, environmental groups and members of the public through 250 meetings across the country. "I have met with stakeholders across the country and more than 1950 people have been involved in the full consultation process," he said. "Our aim is to protect our unique marine environment, while supporting coastal communities and marine industries around the country. "Over the coming months, the Government will consult the fishing industry and fisheries management agencies on the design and implementation of a fisheries adjustment assistance package. "We now go through one final 60 day consultation period. It's too late for people to say I want this line shifted or I want this zone painted a different colour. The question now is very straight forward. Do we go ahead with the most comprehensive marine park network in the world or do we not?" It is expected that the final marine reserves will be declared before the end of the 2012. |
||