Queensland’s recreational and commercial fishing communities have been staging protests against the Commonwealth’s plan to extend marine protection in the Coral Sea.
They say the plan will lock up more than 77 per cent of the state’s east coast waters and wipe out the commercial fishing industry.
Researchers say the expansion of the marine zone is crucial to the survival of the region’s delicate ecosystem.
Stephanie Smail has our report.
STEPHANIE SMAIL: The Federal Government’s plan to create the largest network of marine parks in the world has set the commercial fishing industry on edge.
The Commonwealth insists only 1 per cent of production will be affected and the industry will get about $100 million in compensation.
Queensland LNP Senator Sue Boyce joined hundreds of boaties and fishermen at yesterday’s rally north of Brisbane to protest the plan.
She says it has the potential to wipe out the local seafood industry.
SUE BOYCE: Right now 70 per cent of our seafood is imported. It will end up with up to all of it being imported if this plan goes ahead. The opportunity to catch a fish in Queensland waters will be completely reduced by the Government’s move to lock up the Coral Sea.
STEPHANIE SMAIL: Recreational fishers are worried too.
Judy Lynne from Sunfish Queensland says the plan is already having an impact on charter fishing businesses.
JUDY LYNNE: Because this process has been so ongoing, there’s been a lot of uncertainty about, will it be closed, when it will be closed, what will the restrictions be, so they’re changing plans. So these guys are already seeing, and have been for a few years, advanced bookings drop off.
So yes, there will definitely be severe impacts on the commercial charter industry.
STEPHANIE SMAIL: She says recreational fishers would happily meet tight fishing restrictions as long as they have access to Queensland’s popular fishing areas.
JUDY LYNNE: Which will still allow fishermen to be in the area, they can fish for a feeder fish. To get out there, it’s not going to be out and back in one day, so while you’re out there, to be able to catch fish to consume on sight and with some restrictions, so just one rod, one hook.
STEPHANIE SMAIL: Professor Peter Harrison is the director of the Marine Ecology Research Centre at the Southern Cross University.
He says the expansion of the Coral Sea marine zone is the right way to protect the region’s ecosystem.
PETER HARRISON: The importance of having very large marine reserves is that they encompass a really wide range of different habitats and because many species require a range of different habitats throughout their life cycle, then it has a greater chance of protecting our marine unique biodiversity.
STEPHANIE SMAIL: Professor Harrison says the expansion of the marine park could have some benefits for commercial and recreational fishing. By boosting fish stocks in regions bordering the Coral Sea marine zone.
2012 ABC