Federal Government review which recommends reducing marine park protection in Coral Sea slammed
A FEDERAL Government-led review which recommends reducing marine park protection in the Coral Sea has been slammed by conservationists.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society today said the report into Australia’s marine sanctuaries had ignored science-based data in favour of commercial exploitation.
The review was released yesterday by federal environment minister Josh Frydenberg and recommended reducing the protected area of the Coral Sea by 10 per cent.
AMCS marine parks campaign manager Fiona Maxwell said the report failed to consider scientific evidence and community support.
“The Coral Sea is the cradle of the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the last places on Earth where healthy populations of ocean giants like sharks, tuna and marlin remain,” she said.
“It’s not only our unique marine life but our coastal communities, recreational fishers, and the valuable dive tourism sector who are the big losers in the Abbott Review report.
“The Abbott Review ignored overwhelming scientific evidence and community support calling for an increase in protections.”
AMCS has called on the Australian government to reject the recommendations and put in place regulations from 2012.
“This is yet another blow to Queensland’s tourism at a time when they are seeking the certainty long-term conservation measures provide for the future”, Ms Maxwell said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/federal-government-review-which-recommends-reducing-marine-park-protection-in-coral-sea-slammed/news-story/272d0ba4d58bae857876a1e6da7bac26
The Australian Marine Conservation Society today said the report into Australia’s marine sanctuaries had ignored science-based data in favour of commercial exploitation.
The review was released yesterday by federal environment minister Josh Frydenberg and recommended reducing the protected area of the Coral Sea by 10 per cent.
AMCS marine parks campaign manager Fiona Maxwell said the report failed to consider scientific evidence and community support.
“The Coral Sea is the cradle of the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the last places on Earth where healthy populations of ocean giants like sharks, tuna and marlin remain,” she said.
“It’s not only our unique marine life but our coastal communities, recreational fishers, and the valuable dive tourism sector who are the big losers in the Abbott Review report.
“The Abbott Review ignored overwhelming scientific evidence and community support calling for an increase in protections.”
AMCS has called on the Australian government to reject the recommendations and put in place regulations from 2012.
“This is yet another blow to Queensland’s tourism at a time when they are seeking the certainty long-term conservation measures provide for the future”, Ms Maxwell said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/federal-government-review-which-recommends-reducing-marine-park-protection-in-coral-sea-slammed/news-story/272d0ba4d58bae857876a1e6da7bac26